The President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, in his capacity as UEFA Vice-President, took part in the Extraordinary Elective Assembly of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), where Giovanni Malagò was elected the new President of Italian football.
During the Assembly proceedings, President Duka delivered a speech on behalf of UEFA, conveying the support of European football’s highest governing body for FIGC and Italian football.
In his address, Duka conveyed greetings from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, praising FIGC’s role and contribution as one of the most influential federations in European football.
“It is a great honour to convey UEFA’s greetings to this extraordinary assembly. You also receive greetings from President Čeferin. We are closely following developments in Italian football and confirm our full support for FIGC, one of the most influential and distinguished federations in European football.”
He expressed gratitude to former president Gabriele Gravina for his work, commitment, and sense of responsibility in leading Italian football in recent years, emphasizing that Italy’s results at all levels reflect the strength and quality of its football system.
“I would like to say a few words in particular about Gabriele Gravina, who is not only FIGC President and UEFA Vice-President, but also a friend with whom I have shared important years in European football. I thank him for his work, passion, expertise, and sense of responsibility in leading FIGC through difficult times. His resignation shows his dedication to Italian football; it is a decision that deserves respect, because taking responsibility in difficult times requires courage.”
President Duka underlined that Italian football has built strong foundations for the future, thanks to investment in youth development and highlighted the successes of Italian national teams in recent years.
“Missing qualification for the World Cup is a disappointment that affects everyone; it has harmed Italian football and affected all of us who follow the game. A single match episode—a red card and a missed penalty—can overshadow years of work and influence public opinion.
We must look beyond one result; it would be wrong to focus only on the playoff outcome. Italy won the European Championship in 2021, reached a historic semifinal with the women’s national team in 2025, and achieved success with youth national teams in international competitions.
These are not random results; they show that Italian football produces talent, that youth development is excellent, and that the foundations for the future are strong.”
At the end of his speech, the UEFA Vice-President congratulated both candidates for their willingness to take responsibility in leading Italian football and assured that UEFA will continue supporting FIGC in its projects and objectives.
“Today is an important day for FIGC and Italian football. This assembly will elect the president who will lead Italian football. I extend my best wishes to both candidates; their willingness to run is a sign of great commitment to Italian football. I assure you that UEFA will continue to work alongside FIGC with the same support that has always been part of our work. A strong FIGC means stronger European football.”
Duka also addressed the importance of UEFA Euro 2032, emphasizing investment in stadiums and sports infrastructure to ensure a lasting legacy for future generations.
“We must also highlight UEFA Euro 2032, with Italy hosting one of the most important sporting events in the world. I call on national, regional, and local institutions to seize this extraordinary opportunity. It is time to invest in stadiums and infrastructure to leave a lasting sporting legacy for future generations. I am confident that Italian football will successfully meet this challenge.”
At the conclusion of the Assembly, Giovanni Malagò was elected the new President of the Italian Football Federation.
Immediately after the vote, Duka met the new president Malagò, congratulating him and wishing him success in his mandate at the helm of FIGC.
