AC Milan's CEO, Giorgio Furlani, spoke at the 'Social Football Summit'. Here are his words, as relayed via Milan News:
Regarding the stadium project:
"I prefer not to make predictions; creating stadium projects in Italy isn't easy. San Siro 2 is abandoned; now, we're focusing on San Donato."
About Milan's project:
"It's a project based on sporting success. I'm convinced it should be this way; in the medium term, the interests of the fans and the shareholders are aligned. Sporting success creates financial success. It might sound strange, but the resources generated by the business are reinvested in football to achieve more success."
On the Growth Decree, Furlani said:
"Italian football faces several challenges. The inability to build stadiums is one, piracy is another. Then there are smaller things making Italian football less competitive than other top leagues. The Growth Decree is the unique lever to enhance the competitiveness of our league. Football isn't a toy; it's an industry attracting foreign capital. Thanks to the Growth Decree, Italian teams have attracted talents we couldn't afford before, leading to success in Europe. So, to me, changing a rule that guides us toward the right path, inherently having 'growth,' seems crazy."
Further on the Growth Decree and its impact on Italian football:
"Sadly, we didn't make it to the World Cups in 2018 and 2022. But it's hard to say the National Team isn't doing well because of the Growth Decree. Look at the youth teams; they've performed excellently. If there's concern about the Growth Decree affecting youth development, let's sit down and talk. Let's address this issue. At Milan, we're committed to developing our players. However, cutting the Growth Decree means reducing resources that would also be taken away from youth sectors."
About Saudi Arabia:
"As an economist, I can't see it as anything but a positive thing. Their entry is an opportunity for everyone."
On what Milan will be like in three years, Furlani said:
"It's a continuous growth journey; we want to expand our business. I hate making predictions before games, let alone three years ahead. I would hope we've made more progress on the stadium project."
On objectives:
"Is it easier to win the Serie A title or break even financially? Both are difficult. But if you win the title, it's easier to balance the budget."
Regarding Serie A:
"If on the field we are rivals, with the other 19 clubs, we must work together and grow the football product. Two major system challenges: combating piracy, which is a tragedy for Italian football, and stadiums. We are committed to our stadium project, but I'm glad to see that other teams are also undertaking other projects."
On the TV rights issue:
"Reaching Serie A's channel with higher revenues is an innovative, interesting idea, but it's not without risks. There isn't, to my knowledge, any proof elsewhere in Europe that demonstrates it's the right path. But in my opinion, there hasn't been enough analysis done to understand it either. It's clear that it's an interesting concept. As Serie A, we've decided that we weren't ready and therefore opted for the traditional form. Could the League channel be the next step? The contract we have will be for the next five seasons; who knows how football will change."
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