AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani Questioned by Italian Football Federation Amid Ownership Uncertainty

Giorgio Furlani, the CEO of AC Milan, was questioned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the club's financial situation and ownership structure. The questioning comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future ownership of the iconic Italian football club.

The FIGC's investigation is focused on ensuring the financial stability and transparency of AC Milan, which has faced challenges in recent years. Furlani, who took over as CEO in 2022, was summoned to provide information and clarification on the club's financial affairs and ownership status.

AC Milan's current owners, Elliott Management, are reportedly considering a sale or potential change in the ownership structure. The club's ownership situation has been the subject of scrutiny, with suggestions that AC Milan is not actually owned by RedBird Capital Group, but rather by a Dutch investment company called ACM FootballCo Intermediate Coöperatief UA.

Italian lawyer Felice Raimondo has responded to these claims, comparing the situation to buying a house with a mortgage. "The owner is still the person who bought the house, even if they haven't paid the full amount out of their own pocket," Raimondo stated. He criticized the "morbid intensity" around the Rossoneri's ownership situation, noting that there are no similar questions about other clubs.

In March, Italy's financial police, the Guardia di Finanza, raided Milan's headquarters to investigate the deal that saw Elliott Management sell the club to RedBird Capital Group. This led to investigations into current CEO Giorgio Furlani and former CEO Ivan Gazidis.

The questioning of Furlani by the FIGC is part of the ongoing effort to ensure the financial stability and transparency of AC Milan. The club, which is one of the most successful and iconic teams in Italian football, is also in the process of appointing a new manager after parting ways with Stefano Pioli, who led the team to a Serie A title in the 2021-22 season.

Why this matters: The uncertainty surrounding AC Milan's ownership and financial situation has implications for the club's future success and stability. As one of Italy's most prestigious football clubs, the outcome of the FIGC's investigation and any potential changes in ownership could have significant impacts on the team's performance and the Italian football landscape as a whole.

The decision-making process for appointing a new manager involves the club's American owner Gerry Cardinale, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and RedBird advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic. AC Milan is seeking a manager who can work closely with the ownership and improve young players, rather than a short-term project. The club is expected to make a decision on the new manager in the coming weeks as they navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing ownership uncertainty and the FIGC's investigation.

Key Takeaways

• AC Milan CEO Furlani questioned by Italian FA over club's finances and ownership.
• Uncertainty over AC Milan's ownership, with suggestions of Dutch investment firm involvement.
• Italian police raided Milan's HQ in March to investigate RedBird's acquisition of the club.
• AC Milan seeking new manager to work closely with ownership and develop young players.
• Outcome of FIGC investigation and ownership changes could impact AC Milan's future success.