Brazil 2014: With Italy eliminated, Giancarlo Abete resigns as federation president

Giancarlo Abete (Italy) announced his resignation as president of the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) on 25/06/2014. The resignation followed the elimination of Italy in the group stage of the World Cup in Brazil (from 12/06 to 13/07/2014), after their defeat against Uruguay (0-1, in Natal, on 25/06/2014). Giancarlo Abete had been the president of the Italian federation since 02/04/2007.

"I will convene the National Council between 27 and 30/06/2014 and I will present my resignation, which is irrevocable. I had already made my decision before the World Cup, regardless of the result," said Abete, who is 63. "I will continue to be involved in the politics of sport."

Abete has been the vice president of the executive committee of UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) since 2011 and a member of the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) executive committee since 2009.

Cesare Prandelli, the manager of the national team since 2010, also submitted his resignation on 25/06/2014. His contract, which ran until 2016, is estimated at €1.7m net per year. "I hope that Cesare will withdraw…