Inter’s financial problems have taken center stage in the Italian football world just days after they won the Scudetto. An investigation has been launched into their finances due to their failure to repay a €385m loan from Oaktree. This has resulted in the loss of control by owners Suning and the Zhang family, effectively repossessing ownership of Inter.
The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors in Milan gathering information on how Inter registered for the 2023-24 campaign despite their financial struggles. The potential consequences of this could be severe, including legal action against individuals or clubs found guilty of any wrongdoing.
Bologna director Claudio Fenucci has commented on the situation, warning that clubs that accumulate debt without a plan for repayment are undermining fair competition in football. Fenucci’s comments echoed those made by Lega Serie A earlier this year, urging Italy to prioritize stadium projects and avoid losing its bid for EURO 2032 games.
Fenucci’s comments highlight broader concerns about the financial stability of Italian football clubs, which are struggling with debt accumulation without a plan for repayment. The issue is particularly pressing given Italy’s efforts to host major international tournaments like EURO 2032 and FIFA World Cup 2046. Any instability in Italian football could have serious consequences beyond individual clubs and could impact the country’s ability to host these events.
The investigation into Inter’s finances raises questions about their long-term sustainability as a club. If they cannot manage their debt responsibly, it could lead to further financial difficulties down the line, potentially even bankruptcy.
Overall, it is clear that Italian football is facing significant challenges when it comes to managing debt and ensuring financial stability for its clubs. As such, stakeholders must work together to find solutions that prioritize fair competition while also safeguarding Italy’s ability to host major international tournaments.
