January 13 – Luigi De Siervo has been re-elected as chief executive of Serie A, securing strong backing from the league’s 20 clubs despite controversies surrounding recent media rights sales and the hosting of the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia.
De Siervo’s re-election, his third consecutive term, was confirmed late last week during a vote among the Serie A club chairs in Milan. Seventeen clubs supported his continued leadership, with just three submitting blank ballots. Only 11 votes were required for De Siervo to retain his position.
De Siervo has led Serie A since December 2018, when he was first elected to replace Marco Brunelli, who had served as interim CEO. He was subsequently re-elected in 2021. Before his tenure at the helm of Serie A, De Siervo was the chief executive of marketing agency Infront Italy.
While De Siervo’s leadership has been credited with significant developments for the league, it has also drawn criticism on multiple fronts. In particular, critics have questioned his handling of media rights sales, where a new tender format departed from traditional approaches. This process faced pushback from some club executives and external observers.
Another contentious decision under De Siervo’s leadership has been the league’s expanded partnership with Saudi Arabia for hosting the Supercoppa Italiana. In March 2023, Serie A signed a long-term deal with Saudi authorities, securing the hosting rights for the annual tournament in 2024, 2025, 2028, and 2029.
The Supercoppa, which was expanded to a four-team format during De Siervo’s tenure, was criticised by media outlets and fan groups arguing that hosting the tournament in Saudi Arabia prioritises financial gains over the tournament’s heritage and connection to Italian fans.
De Siervo’s re-election comes during a period of significant leadership changes in Serie A. Just weeks earlier, in December 2024, Ezio Simonelli was elected as the league’s new president, replacing Lorenzo Casini.
Despite the controversies, De Siervo’s decisive re-election demonstrates the confidence that the majority of Serie A clubs have in his ability to steer the league forward, particularly in his efforts to enhance the league’s commercial and global profile.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1736790713labto1736790713ofdlr1736790713owedi1736790713sni@g1736790713niwe.1736790713yrrah1736790713