The closing of Sino-Europe Sports’ takeover of AC Milan "could be postponed," according to FOOTBALL ITALIA.
The sale is set for Dec. 13, but club President Silvio Berlusconi "appeared to cast slight doubt on that" on Monday. La Repubblica is reporting that representatives from the Chinese consortium "will meet with Berlusconi at Arcore on Friday, requesting a delay in the deposit" of €420M ($446M).
It is not thought that this "would put the sale in jeopardy, but a referral may be required if the Chinese government won’t allow the money to be taken out of the country in time."
In addition, Berlusconi "is making requests to Sino-Europe to have some say in the direction of the club."
La Repubblica believes that the new owners "are open to this, but at the moment are not amenable to Adriano Galliani remaining as CEO" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 11/22). ANSA reported Berlusconi said after the Milan derby on Sunday night that it had been a "painful decision" and "now soccer is like Monopoly, where millions count for nothing." In later comments on the club website, Berlusconi said, "I have the satisfaction to have contributed to your emotions, you have moved me to tears. Together, with Milan and for Milan. Forever" (ANSA, 11/21).