View Full Version : Thoughts on Arab Oil companies taking over?
What is your opinion on Arabian oil groups (or Middle-Eastern no racism involved) taking over the club? These past 4 or so years has really strained us supporters, and many will agree it is time for Berlu to move on (no blame attched to Galliani, who is a crafty businessman!). I couldn't think of anyone quite frankly, besides Arabic Oil companies who would be willing to become a major stakeholder in a big club like Milan in light of the current financial environment.
By no means do I want us to become a Machester City, which has become a club of mercenraies and little team spirit....
But I wouldn't mind someone with a bit of guts and a vision to take over. Like I said before, only Arabian Oil Companies would consider such a takeover at this moment. I can't see the Berlu situation getting any better. The man can't start investing crazily in milan, becuase he is the PM. Spending money on a football club will just instill a bad image to the Italian people who are suffering quite hard from the recession.....
SO what are your thoughts? :u56::lick:
Judging by your general comments in regards on MGT, I am guestimating that around 75% of you approve of a takeover. the other 10 % are undecided, and the remaining 15% belong to the "optimistic boys."
At the moment, I think current MGT is the only choice we have, bcs even in this condition, Berlu will hold onto his biggest toy and prmoter (milan) as tight as he can.....
I would not approve and I wouldn't really call myself an optimistic boy either.
AC Milan, and any other football clubs should always have their roots in their respectable cities or atleast in their own country. I think clubs in the Premier League lost alot of their local touch when they became american, arabic, russian, whatever. I don't want to see that happend with Milan or any other team.
Some stuff is just more important than finances and results
Being that this thread is aimed at fans obviously and not management, it really depends what fans really want and accept. If Berlusconi decides to give it up there is a much better chance that more non-Italian buyers exist than not.
So if fans want someone who will "try" (whatever try means, Chelsea style or whatever) to win, there is every chance fans must accept a foreign owner.
Hasan Rossonero
20-07-2009, 11:25
As I have stated before, Berlusconi would never sell to Arabs, largely because he is a bigot. He has spoken out many times about the Muslim world, and it has not been pleasant.
This is not the right place to discuss the merits of his case (he wasn't 100% wrong), but what his comments did reveal was a prejudice towards that part of the world.
Of course, money talks (see Gaddafi for example and Juventus), but Berlusconi will keep this club and not cultivate it for the time being. Once he passes on, I really don't know what will happen. I fear for the future because his children are not interested in the club.
Hasan, in today's world (recessions are not forever and don't affect everybody any way) if his children are not interested there will be a 'big time' buyer out there. The problem is not that, the problem is what fans and Italians as a society accept. And beyond that can Italy as a country and society 'allow' British style take overs. Don't forget Chelsea and ManU are living on borrowed money but can spend based on half wishful thinking, half world wide appeal.
Hasan Rossonero
20-07-2009, 12:47
Hasan, in today's world (recessions are not forever and don't affect everybody any way) if his children are not interested there will be a 'big time' buyer out there. The problem is not that, the problem is what fans and Italians as a society accept. And beyond that can Italy as a country and society 'allow' British style take overs. Don't forget Chelsea and ManU are living on borrowed money but can spend based on half wishful thinking, half world wide appeal.
Chelsea are not. All the money Abramovich has spent has been his.
Liverpool and Man U yes.
I just don't want a Sensi type owner. I don't want Piersilvio attached to the club without investment.
We shall see...
It's an interest free loan, Chelsea. The only difference is he is not going to knock on the door every month for payback and the debt is not growing interest-wise
Lebanese
20-07-2009, 14:05
guys why do you always mix between wealth and oil ?. oil has nothing to do with clubs buyers ? man city owners are far to be called oilers . they are just rich, not extremely rich but rich. but from a personal point of view i just want someone else to buy the club say ferrero or the freight company MSC ???? because usually arabs dont know how to handle business and to spend in a wise way. in milan we need new management and new objectives and above all we need new president to back up the whole team not only from a financial point of view but also to be present with the team whenever needed.
Let's just say that a person like Roman of Chelsea is one in a million... Not saying I have anything against Arabic companies, because there is not much difference between the two. i just feel that Roman is around his players much more, and would be "more involved" besides finances compared to a rich Shiek....
P.S anything I say on this thread is by no means intended to insult Middle-Eastern people. If I bag Arab oil groups, I am not having a go at the people.....
ElJaffacakeo
27-07-2009, 03:41
I think its important to Milan that any buyers are Italian, or at least severely vetted by the the current owner so that we know the new owner is in it not just to get money and have a toy, but to make sure that Milan win the scudetto, the CL and the Cup, with a team worthy of the Milan support. I could think of nothing worse than having a team full of Tevez's, Adebayors (thank god he never came) and Robinho's. There is a spirit in the Milan team that i think no other team in the world has, and it is imperative that this spirit is maintained, more than buying 5 of the worlds greatest players and being another Real Madrid.
I think its important to Milan that any buyers are Italian, or at least severely vetted by the the current owner so that we know the new owner is in it not just to get money and have a toy, but to make sure that Milan win the scudetto, the CL and the Cup, with a team worthy of the Milan support. I could think of nothing worse than having a team full of Tevez's, Adebayors (thank god he never came) and Robinho's. There is a spirit in the Milan team that i think no other team in the world has, and it is imperative that this spirit is maintained, more than buying 5 of the worlds greatest players and being another Real Madrid.
Exactly... I don't want Milan to become a team of mercenaries....
In one way, the NFL and american football have found the right mix for making their league always competitive and interesting. In extreme irony for a country so capitalist, the NFL is the most socialist league in the world. And it works.
By having revenue sharing, a salary cap, and free agency, the NFL has allowed for teams in the smallest markets to compete with all the big boys. Does anyone in their right mind want to own the Green Bay Packers based on prestige of the city or location? Hell no, but they have been a very successful franchise. For a city of 100,000 to win the super bowl, to be competitive, it's like Catania going to the Champions League Final.
I for one am sick of watching the same old teams compete in bs competitions like the Champions League. It's overkill and as things have gotten bigger my interest has waned. Another thing the NFL has done is limit their product, making it even more desired, whereas football has exploded to the point of oversaturation. I used to beg my parents to let me watch RAI on sunday mornings for the one game in Italian i could see. Now, i fall asleep during matches i used to die for.
In my opinion, there is either going to be a European Super League, or there will be revenue sharing, salary cap, so that ALL teams are competitive and it is not just who has the richest owner.
Exactly... I don't want Milan to become a team of mercenaries....
Don't be fooled my friend, they're all mercenaries.... :D
Otherwise they'd all be playing for their local teams
MVBasten
27-07-2009, 20:40
For those who are perfectly fine with an arab owner, or any other "foreign" for that matter: Why do you think these people want to buy a football club? There is no money to make from football, only to spend (and you basically have to spend). Basically the reasons a person buys a football club, not including those who actually have a passion for the city, team, country etc, is having a toy, fame, building marketability for your other endeavors etc. How could fans accept someone taking over what they love, and degrading it into something like that, even if it means big name players and trophies?
Berlusconi may not be an angel, and may have bought the club as a key part in his propaganda-machine, but he's a genuinely (yes, I know it's a funny word to use about him) passionate fan of Milan the club, Milan the city, his country and the football they play there. As someone mentioned, due to the financial times and his position as prime minister, he's gotta keep his official spending limited, not to mention he probably has lost over a billion dollars on this financial crisis (just a guess from me based on the amount of money some rich people have publicly declared they lost). If he has to severely limit his spending on Milan for the next few years, I think as a fan I can accept that considering the 20+ years he spent hundred of millions on the club.
But that's me. I'm grateful for the joy I've had with Milan's success over the years, and don't just demand more more more every day and every season. Some less fortunate times only make the good times all the more fun.
OCmilano
27-07-2009, 20:54
For those who are perfectly fine with an arab owner, or any other "foreign" for that matter: Why do you think these people want to buy a football club? There is no money to make from football, only to spend (and you basically have to spend). Basically the reasons a person buys a football club, not including those who actually have a passion for the city, team, country etc, is having a toy, fame, building marketability for your other endeavors etc. How could fans accept someone taking over what they love, and degrading it into something like that, even if it means big name players and trophies?
Berlusconi may not be an angel, and may have bought the club as a key part in his propaganda-machine, but he's a genuinely (yes, I know it's a funny word to use about him) passionate fan of Milan the club, Milan the city, his country and the football they play there. As someone mentioned, due to the financial times and his position as prime minister, he's gotta keep his official spending limited, not to mention he probably has lost over a billion dollars on this financial crisis (just a guess from me based on the amount of money some rich people have publicly declared they lost). If he has to severely limit his spending on Milan for the next few years, I think as a fan I can accept that considering the 20+ years he spent hundred of millions on the club.
But that's me. I'm grateful for the joy I've had with Milan's success over the years, and don't just demand more more more every day and every season. Some less fortunate times only make the good times all the more fun.
Great post. And so very true.
But that's me. I'm grateful for the joy I've had with Milan's success over the years, and don't just demand more more more every day and every season. Some less fortunate times only make the good times all the more fun.
You are right about the passion part but otherwise there is a big problem with your point of view, in my opinion.
Our current "hard times" are by design, the owner has apparently decided not to spend or concentrate (or whatever you call it) on the team. The hard times you are taking about is something that happens when a team does its best but fails for whatever reason. Berlusconi is not doing what is best for the team right now. Like I have said before, for me personally, I am not asking for Real or Chelsea kind of spending because that's not good either...but having a plan for success...and clearly there isn't any. Either the team buys 5 of the best 18 year olds and promises the future or spends, anything in between has very little chance.
tim_milan
28-07-2009, 01:53
Arabs are rich and may have big money but the million dollar question is can they manage their clubs well enuf. And personally i think it s NO. Its the same with all those who have big money but no passion for the game and for the club. Man City and Real Medra are in an attempt to build a world class team but in fact they are ruining the wonderful game and the passion associated with it. And thats REAL CRAP. In that sense i think Milan are doing the right thing. But we definitely cannot do without spending at all either. We do need a few signings by the close of summer. Its just that someone needs to knock some sense into Berlusconi s head and ask him to get his acts together. He seems to be busy with other things right now. The other day he was trying to sneak into some escorts house.LOL. Well im jsut hoping for the best and that we will have a good season this year. FORZA MILAN.
For those who are perfectly fine with an arab owner, or any other "foreign" for that matter: Why do you think these people want to buy a football club? There is no money to make from football, only to spend (and you basically have to spend). Basically the reasons a person buys a football club, not including those who actually have a passion for the city, team, country etc, is having a toy, fame, building marketability for your other endeavors etc. How could fans accept someone taking over what they love, and degrading it into something like that, even if it means big name players and trophies?
Berlusconi may not be an angel, and may have bought the club as a key part in his propaganda-machine, but he's a genuinely (yes, I know it's a funny word to use about him) passionate fan of Milan the club, Milan the city, his country and the football they play there. As someone mentioned, due to the financial times and his position as prime minister, he's gotta keep his official spending limited, not to mention he probably has lost over a billion dollars on this financial crisis (just a guess from me based on the amount of money some rich people have publicly declared they lost). If he has to severely limit his spending on Milan for the next few years, I think as a fan I can accept that considering the 20+ years he spent hundred of millions on the club.
But that's me. I'm grateful for the joy I've had with Milan's success over the years, and don't just demand more more more every day and every season. Some less fortunate times only make the good times all the more fun.
This would be my concern as well. I don't care where the owner is from, but I would not want Milan to be like Real Madrid or (now) Manchester City and just start buying all the big name players they can just so the owner can fill his fantasy football team. That would be no fun at all to me. Yes, it would be great to have unlimited funds, but I would want them to be used wisely and for the club to have a plan (I know some of you will say the club has no plan now :D). Building something special from the ground up -- even if every now and then you have to do it again -- is much more fun, satisfying and interesting than just throwing a bunch of parts together until you find the ones that you hope work.
Gabriel489
28-07-2009, 09:10
Well, to be honest, if someone is going to buy Milan, I am sure he/she has the money to buy any team in the world. The reason they want to buy Milan is probably b/c they like us are fans of Milan and love Milan just like us and have the same passion for MIlan like us. Or else, whats the point of buying a football team that u r not a fan of considering you can pretty much buy your fav. team. Thats why I don't know why some of you would even doubt the passion of new owners.
Secondly, some of you are against the idea of someone coming in and buying x, y and z treating Milan like his fantasy football team. The thing is, as a fan even us have fav. players and do wish those fav players are playing for our fav. team. The diff. is that as owners with an unlimited funding, you actually get to do that in real life than just in FIFA or Fantasy League or FM or Winning Eleven. I really don't see anything wrong with that.
TO me, if I actually have that kind of money to buy Milan. I will spend on my fav. players to bring them to Milan. I really don't see any problems with that. Heck thats the same thing as posting your fav lineup with prefer signings in the transfer thread.
Also, Berlu outbidded and bascially did what ManCity and Real did in the late 80s and early 90s in bringing in great players year in and year out. Hence, thats why some players kept saying back then Milan had 18 first team players..... I am pretty sure if there were no restriction in how many non-IT players you can field at the same time, Milan probably would have at least 7 non-IT starters.
I really admire how some of you say, if you are running Milan, you would have develop and put the team together piece by piece...but thats only b/c you are not in the position with funds. Imagine if you have bought Milan for 500mil or so today, and still have 300mil to spend on players. Won't u just go out and get players like two of Villa,Torres, G. Rossi, Ribery or Augero, then Santacroce and Zapata as CB, Srna as RB, Hernanes and Aqualini in midfield? Or maybe you have other favs.
At least that what I would have done, actually, I will also try to sign Kaka back.
Gabriel489
28-07-2009, 09:19
In one way, the NFL and american football have found the right mix for making their league always competitive and interesting. In extreme irony for a country so capitalist, the NFL is the most socialist league in the world. And it works.
By having revenue sharing, a salary cap, and free agency, the NFL has allowed for teams in the smallest markets to compete with all the big boys. Does anyone in their right mind want to own the Green Bay Packers based on prestige of the city or location? Hell no, but they have been a very successful franchise. For a city of 100,000 to win the super bowl, to be competitive, it's like Catania going to the Champions League Final.
I for one am sick of watching the same old teams compete in bs competitions like the Champions League. It's overkill and as things have gotten bigger my interest has waned. Another thing the NFL has done is limit their product, making it even more desired, whereas football has exploded to the point of oversaturation. I used to beg my parents to let me watch RAI on sunday mornings for the one game in Italian i could see. Now, i fall asleep during matches i used to die for.
In my opinion, there is either going to be a European Super League, or there will be revenue sharing, salary cap, so that ALL teams are competitive and it is not just who has the richest owner.
The diff is fan base, taxation system(as too many countries in Europe) and the draft system.
But that can all be tweaked to fit the situation. I mean, they basically have a monopoly in America and we all know that is illegal, yet it happened for the good and the growth of the league. If enough people were concerned and wanted to see football in their domestic countries survive, then it is possible. Also, with youth academies and other restrictions on young player movement, the onus is on the teams to develop talent. Of course the draft cannot be emulated in Europe, but why bother having a youth setup if it means meager successes? This way it puts a greater emphasis on promoting youth and pushing coaches to use it (ahem, Ancelotti i'm looking at you!).
My main point is that the survival of football as most of us have known it (growing up in the 80's) is going away, fast. I want competition and competitive cups, not TV-induced oversaturation. For example, i was almost excited when we were in UEFA cup last year because it gave me the chance to watch us play teams we normally don't. Now most people might not care, but that was something different and exciting. And it would mean alot more to fans of smaller teams if their games meant something rather than just trying to stumble up the big boys.
Gabriel489
28-07-2009, 12:16
I agree with what you said, but the reality is only Football managed to do so in US. The NBA, MLB and NHL still lag behind. Yes, there are exceptions like San Antonio in NBA, or Philles in MLB, or the Pens or Canes in NHL. But teams like Lakers will always be Lakers. Yankees and Red Sox can always get the players they want. While Wings-although they are great at developing talents can always sign free agents for a discount due to their history and success.
The point I am trying to make is that a lot of factors contribute to the success of NFL. And those factors are very hard to duplicate in any other leagues.
Football is a great sports and yes all those TV coverage and money deals might be hurting it. But having said that, the 80s, I also grew up watching then too, were not too great either as the club had absolute power where players could not move freely.
Anyhow, I just think there are too much money flowing around in the game.
I just wish our current owners have a concrete proper plan for the club and act accordingy. If the plan is the rejuvenate, then let's do it, if the plan is to get the best midfielder we can find or the best left back or striker, then let's do it. Seems like the plan keeps changing according to the transfer scenario. There was no reason to buy Dinho last year, but because he was available, we bought him, and he landed up on the bench. It's looking the same this year, if we bought Dzeko, then it was because he was the best, if we got Luis Fabiano, Galliani will say he's better than Dzeko, if we did not buy Huntelaar, he's day Boriello is better (as he has done before).
I don't want to say that management is incompetent, but I do agree with most here that they seem pretty naive to the way things are proceeding. 2007 was destiny, we won when the odds were against us, we can't afford to be expecting a "2007" every year. All I want is for someone to invest appropriately in Milan in accordance to a short and long term plan and make sure the team doesn't lag behind others as it seems to be at present.
I just wish our current owners have a concrete proper plan for the club and act accordingy. If the plan is the rejuvenate, then let's do it, if the plan is to get the best midfielder we can find or the best left back or striker, then let's do it. Seems like the plan keeps changing according to the transfer scenario. There was no reason to buy Dinho last year, but because he was available, we bought him, and he landed up on the bench. It's looking the same this year, if we bought Dzeko, then it was because he was the best, if we got Luis Fabiano, Galliani will say he's better than Dzeko, if we did not buy Huntelaar, he's day Boriello is better (as he has done before).
I don't want to say that management is incompetent, but I do agree with most here that they seem pretty naive to the way things are proceeding. 2007 was destiny, we won when the odds were against us, we can't afford to be expecting a "2007" every year. All I want is for someone to invest appropriately in Milan in accordance to a short and long term plan and make sure the team doesn't lag behind others as it seems to be at present.
I think our mgt doesn't have a clear cut plan, and don't know what to do.... As a result, we get a number of botched transfers because they never had their heart in it in the first place. If MGt want 23 year olds, then sure, but concetrate on it and don't fail. make a properr plan and mentality!
It will be hard and maybe impossible that Italian politicians ( mafia and so called leaders of the country, clubs etc. ) will allow huge ammounts of money being invested from outside in Italy that way. Juve and Inter would be in an impossible position then. Just like when outside capital tried to buy Roma. Its hard to do it in Italia.
rt9 - they have strict plan. Plan is to take all the money they can. That plan started with Sheva sale and when Silvio's daughter took over the finances of the family.
Im all for selling Milan to Arabs. If they will invest, lets invest. Milanisti will always be here no matter who is the owner. Milan was Milan before Berlusconi and will be after him.
Ha ha, mrki, I like that---"the plan is to take all the money they can" LOL..
Adriano Galliani Constructing Bid To Buy AC Milan - Report
With the current patron struggling to keep the Rossoneri afloat, the club's general administrator is working to become the head honcho...
31 Jul 2009 07:17:57
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Milan supremo Adriano Galliani celebrating as the Rossoneri finally showed signs of getting back to something resembling their best with UEFA Cup win over FC Zurich.
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As the Silvio Berlusconi's Milan continue to struggle for funds amidst the current financial crisis, it seems work is currently underway for Adriano Galliani to mount a takeover bid.
The Rossoneri’s lack of action on the transfer market has caused obvious unrest amongst the fans, who have seen their side begin the pre-season with a run of four consecutive defeats.
With the grumblings set to grow in volume, it is believed that Galliani is working overtime to pave the way for new owners to carry the club forward and bring it from its knees.
According to Tuttosport, the man affectionately known as 'Uncle Fester' is planning to head a group of Israeli businessmen who are ready to invest a substantial sum in the Via Turati club.
It remains to be seen how this move will unfold as Milan continue to struggle in the build-up to the new season.
Stefano Federici, Goal.com
Graeme C
31-07-2009, 16:10
Think of it like this. You have a Ferrari, but you cant afford to drive it a lot because of petrol prices... Do you sell the car because you cant drive it, or do you keep it just for name sake and let the quality of the car deteriorate? I for one would sell, and let someone else enjoy and take care of it..
Problem with Belusconi is that he is morally wrong, when people are in the public eye they have a obligation to be a ambassador and a role model for others... This is why Belusconi will always be a sleeze bag, and Maldini has the respect of millions on and off the field..
Funny thing is I understand how Berlu should not be seen to be pouring Real Madrid style cash into Milan during these times. But, all we're asking for, and really, all this team needs is some additional quality all over---it doesn't have to be big, expensive star names, just standard, high quality players. Players like Cissokho, Fabiano, Dzeko, Huntelaar all fit the bill and were not overly expensive. Yet Berlu refuses to spend, I'm really starting to wonder why.
He spends 20 million on Dihno, yet refuses to spend the same on younger players with lower wages and more potential?
Berlu and Galliani are trying to make Milan into a glamour club with players like Dihno and Becks..... So much so that we are now looking like a trei-hard version of Madrid
Berlu and Galliani are trying to make Milan into a glamour club with players like Dihno and Becks..... So much so that we are now looking like a trei-hard version of Madrid
nah, they only did this because of no income from champions league. They sell jerseys
Gabriel489
03-08-2009, 22:50
If the so call IT politicans are really against foreign owners, then the quality of the league will drop and Serie A will be forth or fifth league in Europe in the near future.
EPL will be the most popular league while Barcelona and Real will keep attracting players all over the world. German league is making a come back as a lot of teams there have great financial power. I really just don't see how Italian leagues will do well without investments.
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