Paolo Maldini

Appointed FIGC technical director and president of Club Italia in July 2026, Maldini left his positions just sixteen days later, together with his adviser Leonardo. His departure followed the blocking of his choice of Andrea Pirlo for a technical role, while Pirlo's partnership with Russian betting company Fonbet had sparked controversy.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Direct responsibility

In June 2023, RedBird-owned Milan parted ways with Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara. Six months later, Maldini claimed that Gerry Cardinale had decided on his departure long before, that the sporting justifications offered were weak and that the new governance model lacked respect for the club's history, people and roles.

Attribution

Direct responsibility

A few days after the 2022 Serie A title, Maldini publicly stated that neither he nor Frederic Massara had even been contacted to discuss renewing their contracts. He described the lack of discussion as disrespectful and warned that a strategy merely aimed at maintaining the level achieved would be insufficient.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

At Milan, preparations for the possible appointment of Ralf Rangnick caused an internal rift between Ivan Gazidis and the sporting department comprising Zvonimir Boban and Paolo Maldini. Boban was dismissed following his public criticism, while Maldini stated that Rangnick was not the right candidate and that he would repeat his criticism of the approach taken by the club.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Paolo Maldini was prosecuted in an investigation into unlawful access to tax databases and the alleged use of a public official to obtain information or facilitate certain inspections. After several years of proceedings, he was acquitted, and the acquittal was upheld on appeal in 2014. A tax payment order connected to the case was also annulled.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

Paolo Maldini's final match at San Siro was intended to celebrate his 24 seasons at Milan, but part of the Curva Sud displayed hostile banners and chanted Franco Baresi's name. The ultras particularly resented his having called them mercenaries or beggars during earlier disputes.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated