After failed election, Italian FA faces emergency measures

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:58 p.m. ET

ROME (AP) Already in serious crisis following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the World Cup, the Italian football federation is facing emergency measures after three failed votes to elect a new president.

The election assembly was dismantled on Monday when amateur leagues president Cosimo Sibilia ordered his supporters to leave their ballots empty.

In the third round, Sibilia led with 39 percent of the votes, slightly ahead of Serie C president Gabriele Gravina with 38 percent. Players Association president Damiano Tommasi trailed with 21 percent.

A majority was needed to win.

The election was called for after Carlo Tavecchio resigned in November after Italy's playoff loss to Sweden.

The Italian Olympic Committee, which oversees all sports in Italy, will likely impose an emergency leader for the federation.