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AC Milan’s 2-year sale process continues to be a gigantic mess
Prospective Chinese owners Sino-Europe Sports still can’t produce the money they’ve assured everyone that they have.
Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
AC Milan fans rejoiced when it looked like their team had been sold this summer, but nothing has changed, and nothing will change anytime soon. Prospective owners Sino-Europe Sports — a consortium led by Chinese businessmen — have had their purchase of the club delayed until at least March 3.
The group’s issues with completing the purchase reportedly have to do with their struggles in getting money out of China. They claim that their money is tied up in bureaucracy, and that they’ll be able to produce the cash they need to take control of Milan once they get through some red tape. But notably, SES has previously falsified letters of support from banks, so it’s fair to remain skeptical.
This attempted sale of Milan has now drawn out just as long as the negotiations between Silvio Berlusconi and Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol, which ultimately went nowhere. Milan is about to enter another transfer window in sale limbo, and it’s unclear if they’ll get out of it anytime soon.
Goal of the day
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts did this against his parent club, Manchester City. (r/soccer)
In the news
Speaking of Celtic-City, one Celtic fan was arrested for throwing a burger at a police horse.
City could also be sanctioned for fighting inside the stadium. (Guardian)
Some Besiktas fans have been hospitalized after clashes in Kiev. (AS)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has officially backed a 48-team World Cup. (@AFP)
The man in charge of the airline that operated a plane that crashed in Colombia, killing members of Chapecoense and their guests, has been arrested. (BBC)
Real Madrid demands that you respect Cristiano Ronaldo, who they say is up to date on his taxes. (Marca)
You should be reading
Jetta Rae on World Cup Soccer pinball and creating an inclusive pinball community. (Unusual Efforts)
Kevin Shank on cracking the code of the Audi Player Index, which is nonsense. (American Soccer Analysis)
Ian King on the sad demise of York City. (Two Hundred Percent)
What happened on Tuesday
Besiktas absolutely fell apart, handing Napoli and Benfica Champions League knockout stage places.
They didn’t win their group, but Bayern’s win over Atléti taught us plenty.
PSG blew it against Ludogorets, allowing Arsenal to win their group by beating Basel. (The Short Fuse)
What to watch on Wednesday (click for listings, all times ET)
Champions League: Eight games (2:45 p.m. ET) — Madrid-Dortmund is the big one, but Bayer-Monaco comes highly recommended, too.
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