Full Breakdown
RedBird Capital Executes Sweeping Management Changes at AC Milan After Missed Champions League Qualification
5/26/2026, 2:50:26 AM
RedBird Overhauls Club Leadership
RedBird Capital Partners, AC Milan’s owners, announced on Monday the termination of CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada. The decision followed a 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari on the final Serie A match day, leaving Milan in fifth place and outside the Champions League.
Season Trajectory and Final Collapse
Milan had occupied a top-two position for most of the 2025-26 campaign and entered the final stretch with a Scudetto challenge. However, the team secured only two wins in its last eight fixtures, lost seven of the final thirteen matches, and ultimately fell to fifth, consigning the club to the Europa League for the next season.
Ownership Mandate and Context
RedBird, which acquired AC Milan in 2022, set a clear mandate after the previous season’s disappointment: return to the Champions League and build a foundation for consistent top-flight performance.
Departed Executives and Remaining Adviser
Allegri, 58, was in his second spell after leading Milan to a 2010-11 title; he oversaw 42 matches (22 wins, 10 draws, 10 defeats). The dismissed executives also included CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare and technical director Geoffrey Moncada. Club legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains as special adviser, working with RedBird managing partner Gerry Cardinale on the rebuild.
Official Statements & Responses
RedBird’s statement described the campaign as an “unequivocal failure” and called for a “comprehensive reorganization of football operations.” It thanked the departing staff for their dedication and pledged announcements on new appointments.
Criticism & Opposition
Supporters expressed anger after the Cagliari loss, booing Allegri off the pitch and staging protests. Critics faulted his conservative tactics for limiting service to attackers like Christian Pulisic, contributing to the late-season collapse.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources concur on the final standing, the Cagliari defeat and the personnel changes; only the phrasing of the failure varies (“unequivocal” vs. “unqualified”). No further details on replacements were provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The final stretch was completely inconsistent with the performance up to that point, with last night's disappointing loss in the final game turning the season into an unequivocal failure.” — RedBird Capital Partners statement
- “For the majority of this season, we were in the top two positions in Serie A, with a credible shot at competing for the Scudetto.” — RedBird Capital Partners statement
- “After the disappointment of last year, the mandate ownership set for the Club was to return to the Champions League and to establish a foundation for winning consistently at the top of Serie A.” — RedBird Capital Partners statement
- “Further announcements regarding the next appointments will be made in due course — with the goal to be ready and well prepared for the next season,” — RedBird Capital Partners statement
What’s Next
RedBird managing partner Gerry Cardinale will collaborate with special adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic to identify a new coach, CEO and sporting director, with appointments expected before the start of the next season.
