Damiano Tommasi has announced his resignation as President of the Italian Players’ Association (AIC) with immediate effect.
There will be an election for a new President, but until then vice-president Umberto Calcagno will take on the functions of the President.
Tommasi has been part of the AIC since 1999 and became President in 2011, replacing Sergio Campana.
“There were many complicated moments and we emerged from them with union and teamwork,” wrote the former Roma midfielder in a statement.
Damiano Tommasi has announced his resignation as President of the Italian Players’ Association (AIC) with immediate effect.
There will be an election for a new President, but until then vice-president Umberto Calcagno will take on the functions of the President.
Tommasi has been part of the AIC since 1999 and became President in 2011, replacing Sergio Campana.
“There were many complicated moments and we emerged from them with union and teamwork,” wrote the former Roma midfielder in a statement.
“Among the most complicated were the betting scandal in 2011, the Serie A strike at the start of the 2011-12 season, the tragedy of Piermario Morosini’s death on the pitch in April 2012, the reform of the Lega Pro with another strike, repeated Federation elections, Women’s Serie A calling a strike and revoking it at the last minute in 2015, failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, my candidacy for the FIGC job and the months of quarantine that are still putting us all under pressure.
“The team had to put on a common front and stick together. Today, unity is precisely what is needed, so this is why I feel it is best for the AIC, but above all for the players, that I leave the roles of FIGC counsellor and President.
“My four-year mandate was meant to expire on April 27, but unfortunately that too ended up in quarantine and we had to postpone it.
“Our Association needs union and a single unequivocal voice. Lately, that hasn’t always been the case, so this is why there should be no divergences going into the next appointments.
“Some of my ideas and declarations, some reflections and initiatives have been, in recent months, too often cause for internal discussion and disagreement.
“The AIC cannot afford that at this moment. In the near future, we must put players at centre-stage, without getting distracted by the AIC and its internal dynamics.
“It might seem contradictory, but it’s a subtle and fundamental difference. Thinking too much about the AIC risks losing that unity, strength and independence. My change at the 90th minute, therefore, is seen as trying to remove any elements that disturb the daily work of the Association.”