Italy’s World Cup playoff failure fuels political tensions

ISTANBUL

Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup for the third straight time has sparked political debate, with lawmakers calling for changes in the football federation on Wednesday.

In the Chamber of Deputies, Brothers of Italy (FdI) urged Sports Minister Andrea Abodi to provide a briefing on what they described as the “failure of Italian football,” according to ANSA.

Meanwhile, League (Lega) called for a “total reform of football,” demanding limits on non-EU players and more opportunities for Italian youth in starting lineups. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida also said someone must be held accountable.

Vice President of the Chamber Giorgio Mule reiterated calls for Gabriele Gravina to resign, accusing the federation’s leadership of shielding him. Gravina acknowledged the crisis and stressed that reform requires broader reflection involving leagues and clubs, not just the federation.