08.06.2026 13:10
According to a claim in the Italian press, Paolo Maldini left the project before the election was completed because he was disturbed by Hakan Safi's communication style and early transfer announcements during the election process. It was also alleged that Maldini refused to greet the fans on election day.
New details continue to emerge about the election period following the election of Aziz Yıldırım as president of Fenerbahçe.
DECISION TO PART WAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION
According to a report by the Italian media outlet Sportmediaset, Paolo Maldini decided to withdraw from the football project prepared by Hakan Safi during the election process before the election was completed. The report claimed that the Italian football figure parted ways with Safi's team prior to the election.
ALLEGED DISCOMFORT WITH COMMUNICATION STYLE
According to the allegations, one of the main reasons behind Maldini's decision was the communication strategy followed during the election process. Sportmediaset wrote that the Milan legend was uncomfortable with the overly aggressive conduct of the process and statements that could harm his own image.
TRANSFER STATEMENTS LED TO CRISIS
The report also stated that the disclosure of incomplete transfer negotiations to the public caused discomfort on Maldini's side. It was noted that the early announcement of transfer statements regarding certain players, especially Greenwood, drew the Italian football figure's reaction.
ALLEGED REFUSAL TO GREET FANS
A striking detail regarding election day was also included in the report. According to the claim, Paolo Maldini, despite sitting next to Hakan Safi, rejected the request to stand up to greet the fans and turned down this request.
NOT APPEARING ON STAGE DREW ATTENTION
Meanwhile, it was recalled that before the election, Hakan Safi invited Maldini to the stage at the gathering he organized at Faruk Ilgaz Facilities, but the Italian legend did not go on stage. Safi's statement that day, "He has a slight problem with his foot. It might be an ailment from his playing days," has come back into the spotlight.