The Italians foresaw it: preparation for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games will not be a smooth ride. With less than four years to go, the new episode promises to be dense and full of uncertainties.
Three weeks after the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, then the dissolution of Parliament, the Milan-Cortina 2026 issue is making its way into Italian political news. The head of state, Sergio Mattarella, signed a decree last week, already published in the Official Journal, formalizing the government's entry into the board of directors of the organizing committee.
Its entry into the place and, by extension, its takeover. The new board of directors will be made up of 14 people. They will be appointed by decree of the President of the Council of Ministers.
According to Italian media, seven of its 14 members will be appointed in agreement with the Italian National Olympic (CONI) and Paralympic Committees. Six other members will be chosen by the regions involved in the organization of the Winter Games in 2026. Finally, a seat will be reserved around the table for a delegated administrator, a function similar to that of general manager.
Anything but anecdotal clarification: the managing director will be appointed after consultation with the Italian government. He will have to work in close contact with the Prime Minister's office"
The Italian media are making no mistake: despite the political crisis shaking the country, the Italian government wants to regain control. Daily life La Repubblica evokes a “ Olympic revolution“. Not less.
According to several sources, Giovanni Malago is not threatened. He would retain his position as president of Milan-Cortina 2026, a function that he combines with the presidency of CONI and member status of the IOC.
On the other hand, the days of Vincenzo Novari would be numbered. Current director general of the organizing committee, he was already announced as leaving last March by the Italian press. Against all expectations, he was kept in his post.
But the takeover decided by the political authorities seems to condemn him to a very imminent departure. It remains to find a replacement who suits both the government and Giovanni Malago.
According to La Repubblica, Flavio Cattaneo would have been the ideal candidate. Having worked in the public sector, notably in RAI, he currently serves as vice-president of Italo – NTV, a private railway company. He maintains excellent relations with Giovanni Malago. But, problem, Flavio Cattaneo withdrew from the race even before the start signal.
Another name mentioned: Andrea Abodi. Having passed through the world of football, candidate in next month's elections for the Fratelli d'Italia party, he would be appreciated by the Italian left. But the Italian press assures that he could instead accept the post of Minister of Sports in the new government.
Finally, the name of Michele Uva also comes up insistently. Former director general of CONI, he has held the position of director of football and responsibility at UEFA since the beginning of last year.
In any case, the new strong man of Milan-Cortina 2026 will have to pick up the pace. With less than four years until the Winter Games, the organizing committee has so far been unable to announce more than a single private partner, the Esselunga store chain. Skinny.
According to Il Sole 24 Ore , the national marketing program could gain muscle in the coming months, with the arrivals of Deloitte (global partner of the IOC), Herbalife (sponsor of the CONI), and Randstad. In total, around 280 million euros should enter the coffers of the organizing committee for the year 2022, for a target of 575 million in marketing revenue.
