UEFA sanctions for AC Milan over Financial Fair Play violations 'inevitable'

Sport360 staff 00:40 21/04/2018
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  • AC Milan are facing sanctions over recent transfer business.

    AC Milan managing director Marco Fassone said he expects UEFA sanctions to be imposed on the club for violating Financial Fair Play rules.

    Representatives of the Chinese-owned club including Fassone and executive director Li Han met with members of UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary body at European football’s headquarters in Nyon on Friday.

    “This is the third time we have met this committee. We have given an update on how this season has gone from an economic perspective, which is indeed better than had been expected,” Fassone told Sky Sport Italia.

    “We have planned ahead for the next few years, and explained how Milan intends to respect Financial Fair Play regulations. Now we’re waiting for them to reflect and give our plan the green light.

    “We gave them peace of mind. Lenders have reassured UEFA on the negotiations which are underway at the moment.”

    UEFA have voiced concerns over the financial stability of the club which was purchased by a Chinese-led consortium from Silvio Berlusconi for €740million last April, spending more than €200m on new players in the summer.

    The seven-time European champions have a massive loan for repayment and are working to refinance more than €300m in high-interest loans from US hedge fund Elliott Management.

    Fassone claimed his regime were paying for Berlusconi’s mismanagement.

    “The people who were in charge of the club before us did not respect the rules, because we are under investigation for 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17. There will be sanctions, but we hope they are small,” said Fassone.

    “I hope that UEFA takes into account the fact we are a new ownership and that we are doing our best, but I think it is inevitable that we will face sanctions.”

    According to a source close to the club, a final decision is expected in early June.

    Fassone added that they wanted to “strengthen the team with two or three players, weighed up by two to three sales”.

    “The fans mustn’t expect a transfer campaign like last summer,” he added.

    “That show has been done. Now we have to improve the squad with the two or three additions.”

    Coach Gennaro Gattuso said he was focusing solely on the club’s bid to secure European football next season as they sit in a precarious sixth position.

    “I’m a coach, neither the CEO nor the sports director. I can assure the fans that no-one is dying of hunger here.”

    On the players on his wishlist Gattuso joked: “I like (Paul) Pogba let’s go and get him on foot.

    “Do I like (Mario) Mandzukic? Yes, but also Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. I like strong players and those who can give me alternatives.”

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