I read yesterday that Sino Europe denied the false documents allegations by Bloomberg and was threatening to sue. Fininvest have also denied these claims

Is this related or are these new allegations?

I personally find it hard to believe that with all that time taken even before the preliminary was agreed to carry out due diligence, with all the financial advisors Finivest had on this deal, that this would be coming out now

Either way, it would be crazy for anyone, let along a consortium made up of a number of different investors, to sink 100m into something that isn't air tight.

And this is the Fininvest press release as well

http://www.fininvest.it/assets/press/en/Pr...ENG_23.9.16.pdf

Agreed, they will find an answer (I hope). However, it looks like Chinese sources are now confirming the allegations. (Link.)

Edit: Also, it's the consortium that is not "air tight", not Milan. The article in my previous posts says the situation is not dissimilar from Thohir buying Inter (apparently he needed banks to "bridge him" until he could find buyers with "deeper pockets").

And the statement I posted above are in reply to those allegations. Sino Europe are threatening to take legal action. And Fininvest have once again outlined the processes taken during the contract agreements

Hmh. Not really up to a good start.

Yeah, should have paid more attention . Still, it looks like one of the banks that is supposedly providing financial backing for the buyers is now saying that they are not involved and the document is indeed a fake. This could get interesting ...

We'll see, but considering the fact that the consortium already have people working to re-structure the club's management, I'd call BS on this. If things weren't air tight, no way this would be going on. Add the 100m which is non-refundable to the equation, and I'd say we really shouldn't be worrying about it much

I read a couple of blurbs on twitter from the usual reporters who are saying that this is mostly happening because of how the consortium broke off during the negotiation process. If you guys recall back, the consortium was originally being spearheaded by Sal Galatiato and Nicholas Gancikoff. Then once the preliminary was signed we learned that a faction from that consortium broke off and signed the deal themselves with Fininvest as there were problems with coming to an agreement. So these reporters are basically speculating that the negative press is coming from the members which were basically left out in the cold

Sky Italia: Marco Fassone will fly to China to meet members of the Chinese consortium. The candidacy of Maldini for a role at Milan is gaining momentum. He'll speak with Fassone then make a decision.

Barbara Berlusconi has already vacated her office in Casa Milan. Galliani's future could be in Lega Serie A or UEFA board.
[La Stampa]

Lega, UEFA or cleaning toilets, anywhere is fine but at this club for me.

The curtains are being drawn on a glorious era, Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani will be history in two weeks time. When the Chinese come in, of whom I know none. How to relate? Will a Chinese visit to the locker room / milanello be as electrifying as Silvios? If there will be one that is?

But alas for everything in life comes to an end at some-point; Silvio cashes in, smart move. Such a beautiful era bolstered by countless triumphs. It is a FACT Milan's successful period was under Berlusconi. The Chinese have a difficult task trying, just as psg and city haven't really delivered to the maximum. Silvios Milan dismantled Barca's dream team in the 90's with a team not half the quality of that Barca.

Milan gets funds galore, get Mourinho and do a Chelsea. Actually that is not a bad idea at all.

Hopefully we can find our own formula.

I think the current formula is showing some progress. What is needed is to invest in those same things. The youth sector, the training facilities, the commercial side of the sport etc.

And we must be consistent. Every year being Year Zero has really pegged us back.

Current formula? I don't think we have a current formula, it all happened where spontaneously and almost accidental.

Haha. Well maybe we landed on this model by accident out of desparation. But it's a very good foundation to start from.

We've done a lot of good things.

- Slashed down the wage bill.
- Young core of players with much higher market value than what they were obtained for (possibly Bacca is an exception)
- Youth products in the team easily filling the league and UEFA norms
- Gaining a reputation as an Italian team not afraid to play youth thanks to Montella.
- Changing the playing philosophy (from a rather outdated 4-3-1-2 XMas tree to a 4-3-3 though the midfield needs better players)


I don't think that the Chinese have purchased a lemon in any way. They've got themselves a decent team with spirit, with great facilities and a good coach. They don't need to spend Man City level money to bring this team back to contention - Unless they turn stupid and imagine we can win CL in the next 3 years if they flush in 300 million euros.

MilanNews.it say the €320M could arrive directly from Hong Kong instead of passing through Luxembourg. The money would arrive on March 1.

The official presentation of the new ownership and management was initially planned to take place on March 3 at 18:00. But since it will be late night in China it was delayed to the morning of March 4.

The money from Sino-Europe will arrive from Hong Kong to Luxembourg between February 27 and February 28. The money will be deposited to Fininvest between March 1 and March 3. On March 4 the closing will happen in Arcore or Villa Gernetto.
[Sky]

Mourinho never even got to the UCL final at Chelsea. Let's not do a Chelsea.

PSG took a bit of time but they are now very serious contenders to win the UCL this season - and Ligue 1. Even overnight cash doesn't delivery instant results - just ask Monaco.

As for City, a lack of history really stopped them signing the best players. They got some very good players but since the big money came in they haven't made one single truly marquee signing - Aguero is the only possible exception. A real lack of return on the investment mainly because the best players simply didn't want to go there.

March. Another delay. So utterly boring. I will believe this f*cking takeover when I see it.

The curva sud are preparing the biggest tifo that combines the success and heritage of milan, and a 3D welcome to the Chinese on 4-March against Chievo.

Sky reports its gonna be massive.

I still won't believe it's happened until...it happens!

Inching closer to the closing on the evening of March 3rd and yet another set of rumors about another delay with a third deposit being paid. Apparently part of the chinese investors backed off and well ...

However, we have yet to get any formal communication about this either from Fininvest, SES or Milan. Hence, im still optimistic that the closing will happen and that this is nothing but the usual rumors. Especially now that we have two days left.

Delayed by a month, at best - Berlusconi reportedly rejected a reduced offer as well.

I have been doubting this and doubting this and BAM it's all falling apart again.

If it does fall apart Danny then we have 200M, or Silvio has 200M, in cash. Repay part of Milan's 220M debt, buy a good defender, midfielder and striker. Sell <enter player(s)> (I think they would be persuaded to leave; being rational).

Yeah, but I am still holding out for a Chinese entry on the 3rd. As the rumors have it one/two of the Chinese groups is backing out. They had over two years to back out. Its surreal to think they woke up and backed off. Further, Silvio wants to dispose of Milan and get it off his books. It needs lots of money thrown at it with pocket change return, and he isn't the politician he once was so whats the point in keeping the club. He could always remain a fan as a spectator.

He'll sell it alright, if not to the Chinese then to the Americans.

You know what would be really cool? If there is a way to reach most Milanfans in the world, lets say we gather 3,000,000 fans (IG has 2.9M) who form a company with each share priced at €333/- thats €1bn capital in cash. Buyout Silvio with the valuation the Chinese used, we should have 250-300M free to invest after Milan debt settled, Silvio happy at the bank and we will finally have the power to dictate things . The catch is, we will have to pay annual fees of X amount with no return on the money we are putting in. But at least we own the damn club and get the best seat in the house at match day

Your post reeks of desperation

If this sale doesn't go through, and it looks horribly like it won't, we remain in this grave pit for a very long time.

Hopefully I'm surprised instead.

I share your concern. If B&G keep running the show, we are only going to sink deeper. The 200M is good for Fininvest, but Fininvest lost the desire to put any money into the club years ago, and our current management has shown they can waste money whenever they get any. Yes, B&G achieved great things, but that was over a decade ago.

Shareholders meeting at fininvest over and they voted to give additional time to the Chinese. An official statement is to follow.

EDIT: Read Here

I love how one option is basically nicking 200M from them

I get a sinking feeling that they will go for that option (way too tempting for B&G), and we are going to be back to the way it was (for the last few years, that is). If so, I expect a lot of posturing from B&G, but once is all is said and done our decline will continue.

Technically speaking it isnt B&G ... that would apply if the 200M was deposited with Milan. It is deposited with Fininvest for itsshare in Milan. Technically it is Silvios money. So if that option is called, then its Silvio's decision to dig into his pocket. As he has been doing for 30 years now.

What boggles me though, aside from all this, is who are these Chinese and are they really the breath of fresh air that we lack? Or they will pick up where Silvio left off?

I doubt that will happen though. The board of directors just had to approve another annual loss of 70m, 200m in the long run doesn't do anything to stem the blood flow.

Silvio and most importantly Fininvest want to sell Milan, that's a surety, now whether it will be to this group or another one remains to be seen. But Milan will be sold, whether it's now or a year from now, this is something I'm 100% sure of. Our future is no longer with the Berlusconi family.


Yes, and I personally think they'll use that to pay the yearly running cost which still comes at a huge big fat red number even when we don't spend on transfers and pocket the rest. Silvio has proven that he no longer has any desire to spend big sums on Milan

Aside from that, I really find it hard to believe that anyone would give you 200m and then just walk away, it's just crazy stuff. Either there's something even shadier going on than we already believe there is, or no money has really come in at all and this was justa save-face exercise from Fininvest. It just all doesn't make sense

Another worrying issue for me is that this supposed consortium that has backers worth over a Trillion dollars in it can't scrounge up the measly 320m that was still required to be paid at the closing. It certainly doesn't auger well for our supposed spending power under the Chinese that's for sure.

Looks like the closing may actually happen after all.

We'll see, not trusting anything until it actually happens at this point

Bingo. I heard this last night. It's been pie in the sky up till now. Why would this be any different?

Just sell them a minority stake and be done with it.

Also, heard that Audi will no longer be our sponsors from next season. I wonder who will be the new choice. Hope it won't be Hyundai

From D&G to Diesel

From Audi to BYD or Chery
...

Oh the downfall...

Well - The Diesel move has coincided with a huge upturn in results. And trust me han, if you see an actual winning team walking in with those Diesel outfits, we'd be So much better than other clubs walking in with stuff suits.

I'm serious, the new Milan Diesel range is really epic. I plan to pick up something or the other soon. I blew a ton on a new laptop, so might need to wait.

I really want that Emirates logo to go too. I don't really like that except for Madrid, there aren't really too many reputed clubs. Maybe a nice electronics company.

And is it mandatory that we replace Audi with another car sponsor? I know most clubs have a car sponsor and they also sponsor the seats where the team sits.

I don't think it's mandatory but it brings in money.

Yeah sure. But I'd rather it be any other brand than some car brand which we couldn't care much for. Like KIA or something.

So it is all set for April 14th? If So, then these are Silvio's last days as the head of the club.

Let us hope the people incoming can bring a solid team together, though it seems weird (mixed feelings). If they can produce a Champions League position next season that would be a step in the right direction. Afterall this team has shown it is slowly forming a backbone, if not for the injuries. With a good bench and much needed attention to the front line. Bacca is good but a Shevchenko would be better.

Anyways what I'm trying to say is Silvio is leaving the new owners a solid platform to build on. We need someone like Carlo to put things into perspective more than our need for the next Messi or Buffon.

Let's hope it's finally done this time. But it appears everything is set this time around

What do you think about the Elliot loan? Is it a double edged sword for us. I'm a bit worried of what could happen if Li can't pay up

As for the rebuilding process, I'd like to see us give Montella a chance with a proper team, he's exceeded my expectations this season considering what he has to work with. If he had a proper squad with some quality players and some good options off the bench, I think he could really achieve something great with us

The news I heard about the Elliot loan is interesting. Apparently one of the conditions for advancing the loan is that the value of the team must not drop. In other words, the Chinese can't sell assets (including players) just to recoup money or make revenue. This is good news, since I think this means star players will be kept or replaced with exciting talent. And if you look at the loan they're advancing - it is close to 50% of the deal size.

I agree Montella must be given the chance to continue. I find him ambitious and brave. Yes he's a bit untried in Europe, but European competition is not unknown to him since he was a player till recently. I also read reports the Chinese are very impressed and do want him to continue AND that he does want to continue because he's very pleased with the new team he's building.

So let's see. I can dream till April 14th. And then probably go cry in the toilet when the dream turns to ash.

Football Italia here in UK still forcing this Roberto Mancini story, and that that's who the 'new owners' (if we ever get them) want as manager.

It's almost as if some see Montella as a threat and are trying to force him out of his job.

For the errors he's made, and there's been a few, I'd say he's the best coach we've had since Allegri.

What? Why would Montella go? He's made errors, sure. All coaches make them. But he's a damn good coach if you ask me.

Because new owners always want their 'own man'. I agree with you Pippo, I think he's done a stellar job under the circumstances and with funds could really make a go of Milan, but end of the day if this takeover does happen the owners will do what they please because it's their trainset now.

I'd prefer if they keep him of course, but it's their call at the end of the day.

Mancini is terrible.

I agree. Way overrated, IMHO. Only reason he won with Inter is Calciopoli, did not do that great at Man City given the players he had available, and has not done much since.

OTOH, my brother (who I hate to admit is an Inter fan) thinks highly of him.

City are a poisoned chalice. They've made Pellegrini and Guardiola look like mediocre managers. While the latter is definitely overrated, he's not as shite as his squad are making him look.

For Mancini to actually get that disfunctional club its first title in decades is not to be dismissed. Sorry, but it isn't. Others have failed to do the same with the lavish resources they've all had.

I'm also not a big Mancini fan, fwiw, I just think this forum is extremely dismissive of him and unfairly so. If we're talking about career achievements, and their merits, our own manager, who I prefer, has basically done zero in 6 years. Won nothing beyond the Supercoppa with us.

I don't like Mancini, because he has zero style. I just don't like how his teams are set up and how they play. He also tends to walk away when things don't go his way. I think if you want to work at Milan, you must be a bit willing to put your head down and work under sub-ideal conditions.

The only reason Mancini's name has popped up is because of his association with Mirabelli and Fassone and they think he's their favourite. I think it's just papers desperately trying to cook up news.

However, we could with the new management see the end of 'Ital-Milan'. Which I'm worried is going to be trouble.

Today's the day (!)

Will it actually happen!