Background

AIC (Associazione Italiana Calciatori) is Italy's professional footballers' union, representing players across all professional divisions. It controls 20% of the votes in the FIGC presidential election scheduled for 22 June 2026, making it one half of the critical 30% swing bloc alongside AIAC (coaches). Both Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete held meetings with AIC in mid-April 2026 to seek its backing; Malagò described outcomes as 'very positive'.

AIC's significance is purely arithmetical: if it aligns with Malagò, his Serie A Coalition can reach a winning plurality; if it backs Abete, the grassroots-led candidate could overcome Serie A's professional weight. The AIC has historically positioned itself as a player welfare organisation, but its presidential vote is a function of electoral interest, not player welfare directly.

By 11 May 2026, AIC had formally endorsed Malagò — its 20% bloc is part of Malagò's confirmed 48%. Combined with AIAC's 10%, the player and coach blocs committed early, giving Malagò his arithmetic foundation.

Common Questions

What is AIC in Italian football?

AIC (Associazione Italiana Calciatori) is Italy's professional footballers' union. It controls 20% of FIGC Federal Council votes and forms part of the critical 30% swing bloc alongside AIAC (coaches) in the June 2026 presidential election.

Why is AIC important in the 2026 FIGC presidential election?

AIC controls 20% of FIGC votes and, together with AIAC (10%), forms a 30% swing bloc that is arithmetically decisive. Both Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete held meetings with AIC in April 2026 to secure its backing before the 22 June vote.Source: ANSA

Who are the candidates in the 2026 FIGC presidential election?

The two main candidates are Giovanni Malagò, backed by Serie A's 18% bloc, and Giancarlo Abete, backed by the Lega Dilettanti's 34% plus Lega Pro. The AIC and AIAC swing blocs (30% combined) will determine the winner. Declarations close 13 May; the Federal Council votes 22 June.Source: ANSA

Did AIC endorse Malagò or Abete for FIGC president?

As of 19 April 2026, AIC had not formally endorsed either candidate. Malagò described his mid-April meetings with AIC as 'very positive'; Abete was holding his own meetings with AIC and AIAC the same week, per ANSA.Source: ANSA

Who has AIC endorsed for FIGC president?

AIC endorsed Giovanni Malagò, contributing their 20% bloc to his confirmed 48% ahead of the 22 June 2026 election. AIC and AIAC together form a 30% swing bloc.Source: Lowdown

How does the AIC vote affect the FIGC election outcome?

AIC's 20% combined with AIAC's 10% gives Malagò his arithmetic foundation. Without them, his Serie A 18% alone cannot win. With them confirmed at 48%, he needs only Lega B (6%) or Lega Pro (12%) to secure a majority.Source: Lowdown

What does AIAC stand for in Italian football?

AIAC stands for Associazione Italiana Allenatori Calcio — Italy's football coaches' association. It controls 10% of FIGC votes and forms the 30% swing bloc together with AIC (players). Both endorsed Malagò.

How the World Sees Them

FIFA

considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps

Javier Tebas / La Liga

esta podrido desde la raiz

Town of Foxborough

a collection of multibillion-dollar corporations

Spain / Royal Spanish Football Federation

Sois todos un conjunto estelar y legendario para la historia de nuestro futbol.

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 28 July 2026. Editorial standards.