Marotta Moves to Inter President Without a Pay Raise, Can Autonomously Decide on Transfers Under 20M Euros with CEO

The Italian media outlet Calcio Finanza (Football Finance) reported that former Inter Milan Sports CEO Marotta, upon his transition to the role of Inter President, will not receive a pay raise. However, he has been granted the power to jointly decide on transfers worth less than 20 million euros with the financial CEO, without requiring board approval.

At the end of May this year, Zhang Kangyang lost control of Inter due to his inability to repay loans secured against the club’s ownership, leading to California-based investment group Oaktree Capital becoming the majority shareholder of Inter. On June 4th, a significant board meeting was held by the new management, resulting in documents that significantly impact the operational model of the new Inter. After obtaining these documents, the Italian media revealed some inside information.

A notable change is the transition of the former Inter Sports CEO Marotta to the position of Inter President, replacing Zhang Kangyang. However, he also remains the sporting CEO of Inter. The reason for this dual role is that from Thohir to Zhang Kangyang, the Inter President did not receive a salary. As Marotta needs to support his family and cannot work for free, he holds both positions, maintaining the same salary as during his previous tenure as CEO (he had extended his contract until 2027, with an annual salary ranging from 1.5 to 1.8 million euros, subject to performance). His role as Inter President is more of an honorary position.

In addition, the relevant clauses grant Marotta greater authority. He can, together with the financial CEO of Inter (Antonello), decide on transfer deals valued at less than 20 million euros and contract negotiations under 10 million euros (regardless of whether they involve players or coaches), without additional authorization from the board. Inter’s transfer manager Ausilio will also be given the authority to autonomously decide on transfers under 10 million euros and contract negotiations under 5 million euros.

The Italian media pointed out that over the years, Inter has consistently given Marotta, Ausilio, and others greater autonomy. During Zhang Kangyang’s era, Inter’s approach to “empowering management” mainly involved the owner actively cooperating with the management team. Now, this trust is manifested through explicit terms and conditions.