<p>Recent reports claiming that RedBird Capital, the owners of AC Milan, were planning to sell a portion of their stake in the club have been denied by the investment firm. Despite ongoing rumors, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/friction-mounts-between-redbird-and-ibrahimovic-at-milan/">RedBird</a> remains committed to Milan’s long-term success, while also considering new investment opportunities. The Rossoneri are intent on enhancing their standing on the Italian and European scene. Especially as they strive for ongoing improvement in all aspects of their game.</p>



<p>On Friday, the Italian newspaper&nbsp;La Repubblica&nbsp;published an article suggesting that RedBird’s founder, Gerry Cardinale, was preparing to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ac-milan-has-become-more-american-and-less-italian/">sell 22% of his stake in Milan</a>. This sparked widespread speculation about the potential impact on the club’s future. According to the report, Cardinale’s decision was linked to RedBird’s desire to “rebalance its portfolio”. Thus, possibly selling shares worth up to $165 million of their initial $747 million investment.</p>



<p>However, the company’s spokesperson swiftly denied the claims. Speaking to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/soccer-ac-milan-owner-looking-new-investors-club-italian-paper-says-2024-10-04/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reuters</a>, the representative clarified, “The reporting by&nbsp;La Repubblica&nbsp;about selling a stake in AC Milan is a complete fabrication. It is wholly untrue”. RedBird acquired the club from Elliott Management in a $1.32 billion buyout in 2022. They now appear focused on the team’s current objectives rather than divesting from it.</p>



<p>Although the initial denial was firm, RedBird did not completely dismiss the idea of future investments or share adjustments. Both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Milan/05-10-2024/cardinale-non-vende-il-milan-vuole-nuovo-stadio-e-trofei.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Gazzetta dello Sport</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-cardinale-resta-e-punta-a-vincere-con-intelligenza-club-in-46122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Calciomercato</a>&nbsp;hinted that the owners could still bring in new investors. However, they stressed that any share exchange would not affect the club’s day-to-day management; nor interfere with Milan’s broader strategic vision.</p>



<h2>Commitment to Milan’s growth and success</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241006_WST_533764_Milan-RedBird-2-1200x675_6952d520.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-533852" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>RedBird’s primary objective remains clear: returning AC Milan to the top tier of both Italian and European soccer. After years of rebuilding, the team is once again contending for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-serie-a-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Serie A</a> titles and competing in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">UEFA Champions League</a>. For the current campaign, they have set a minimum target of qualifying for the 2025-26 edition of the Champions League, the report adds.</p>



<p>This focus on consistent top-tier performance aligns with the ambitions that Gerry Cardinale has previously expressed for the club. Cardinale has been open to the idea of exploring new partnerships if they are beneficial to Milan’s progress. However, the firm rejection of this particular rumor emphasizes that any such moves will be carefully considered. Also, they will not jeopardize the club’s competitive goals.</p>



<h2>Stadium dilemma: Top priority</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241006_WST_533764_Milan-RedBird-1-1200x675_542bb2e3.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-533851" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Milan-RedBird-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>While Milan continue to perform on the field, RedBird has another significant challenge to address off the pitch. That’s the future of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/tears-of-joy-in-my-first-visit-to-san-siro-20231105-WST-466908.html">San Siro stadium</a>. The club faces a critical decision about whether to pursue a brand-new stadium. Eventually, they could opt for a major redevelopment of their historic home. Interestingly, this stadium conundrum has been a long-standing issue for the Italian giants. The aging San Siro struggles to meet <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2027-champions-league-final-host-marseille-to-rival-rome/">modern soccer standards</a> in terms of capacity, revenue generation, and fan experience.</p>



<p>For RedBird, finding a resolution to the stadium dilemma is the top off-field priority. While no final decision has been made, the club’s owners are keenly aware that a state-of-the-art venue could significantly enhance Milan’s commercial opportunities. Whether through a new stadium or a revamped San Siro, this move could help solidify the club’s financial future and support its sporting ambitions.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Could RedBird end up selling Milan shares despite club's rise?

RedBird Capital, the American owners of AC Milan, are not planning to sell a portion of their stake in the club.

Could RedBird end up selling Milan shares despite club's rise? - World Soccer Talk

<p>Tensions appear to be mounting between AC Milan’s ownership group,&nbsp;RedBird Capital Partners, and former star turned advisor,&nbsp;Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish legend rejoined the club in a new capacity after his retirement. However, he’s at the center of multiple controversies that have raised concerns <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ibrahimovic-on-brink-of-making-ac-milan-comeback-in-new-role-20231111-WST-469416.html">about his role and influence within the team</a>.</p>



<p>The tension between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ibrahimovic-the-troublemaker-who-became-role-model-20160606-CMS-174565.html">Ibrahimovic</a> and the club’s owners is escalating, and it poses a danger to destabilize the team at a critical time; stemming from his participation in contentious YouTube videos and disagreements over the management of the club’s younger players. With Milan’s big matchups coming up, the poor connection is making fans wonder whether the veteran will stay with the club; or if he has any real impact on their path.</p>



<p>One of the incidents that has reportedly strained the relationship between Ibrahimovic and the owners stems from his involvement in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzslN2r1rgY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube video with content creator&nbsp;IShowSpeed</a>. The video featured a homophobic gag; however, this inappropriate joke caused significant backlash and reportedly irritated the American owners&nbsp;of RedBird.</p>



<p>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2024/09/12/news/ibrahimovic_milan_crisi_errori_cardinale-423492311/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Repubblica</a>, the Swede’s failure to distance himself from the controversy particularly displeased the ownership. Despite the video’s seeming insignificance, its possible effect on the club’s reputation caused the leadership to express grave worries. This event represents a turning point in the much bigger controversy surrounding Ibrahimovic’s decision-making and his position at the club.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital and Zlatan Ibrahimović at the FT Business of Football 2024" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FYYr0wj-im0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Management of issues related to the academy</h2>



<p>Beyond the YouTube controversy, Ibrahimovic’s influence on Milan’s youth teams has also been a source of friction. Notably, reports are suggesting that he may have played a role in the departure of former teammate&nbsp;Ignazio Abate&nbsp;from his role as&nbsp;the academy&nbsp;coach. Abate’s departure is thought to be linked to disagreements about the handling of youth players; including the promotion of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ibrahimovics-son-follows-in-fathers-footsteps-with-milan-contract/">Ibrahimovic’s son,&nbsp;Maximilian</a>, to the youth team.</p>



<p>Additionally, the delay in finalizing a professional contract for Milan’s young talent&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan/top-europe-sides-look-to-lure-serie-a-youngest-debutant-ever/">Francesco Camarda</a>&nbsp;has been attributed to prioritizing a deal for Maximilian. This decision has caused frustration among some within the club and its fanbase. To make matters worse, Camarda liked a social media post that said Ibrahimovic didn’t have the experience to succeed in his present position.</p>



<p>The 42-year-old’s absence during Milan’s recent match against&nbsp;Lazio&nbsp;has also raised eyebrows, especially given the context of the game. Fans and club officials alike questioned why Ibrahimovic was not present during such a crucial match; especially given his advisory role and the ongoing issues with the team’s leadership.</p>



<p>
</p><table class="table5" style="border: 5px solid red;">
<tbody>
<tr class="table5" style="width:100%">
<td style="width:70%">
<center><h4>Our Pick:</h4>
Includes: Champions League, Europa League, Serie A, NWSL, Argentine Primera, Brasileirão, Scottish Premiership, Women&apos;s Super League, &amp; More</center>
</td>
<td rowspan="2" style="background-color:#3d68b2; vertical-align: middle;">
<center><a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240913_WST_528837_PPlusRVO_a20d6c6a.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=100" alt="Paramount+" width="200" height="100"></figure></a></center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><center><a class="button" style="background-color:red" href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><span style="color: white;"><strong>7-Day Free Trial</strong></span></a></center></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
&nbsp;



<h2>Crucial period ahead for RedBird and Ibrahimovic</h2>



<p>The timing of these tensions could not be worse for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-serie-a-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Serie A</a> giants; the club faces a series of critical matches against&nbsp;Venezia,&nbsp;Liverpool, and&nbsp;Inter. The outcomes of these games will likely shape the remainder of the season; it could also have significant implications for&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/paulo-fonseca-already-in-danger-of-losing-his-milan-job/">Paulo Fonseca’s&nbsp;future as manager</a>.</p>



<p>There is growing pressure on the Milan hierarchy to reassess Ibrahimovic’s position within the club. Reports suggest that RedBird is closely monitoring the situation, and decisions could be made soon regarding his role in the team’s leadership structure. As the club looks to improve its on-field performance and resolve off-field distractions, Ibrahimovic’s future at San Siro is uncertain.</p>



<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / IPA Sport</em></p>

Friction erupts between RedBird and Ibrahimovic at Milan

Tensions appear to be mounting between Milan's ownership group, RedBird Capital Partners, and former star turned advisor, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "RedBird Capital Partners"

News

Could RedBird end up selling Milan shares despite club's rise?

News

Friction erupts between RedBird and Ibrahimovic at Milan