Paolo Maldini’s brief flirtation with a potential role at Fenerbahce may well have quickly come to an end, reports claim.
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Over the past couple of weeks, there have been stories about how Maldini had become closely affiliated with Fenerbahce presidential candidate Hakan Safi. This even extended to the idea of Safi acquiring a stake in Milan from RedBird Capital Partners, as far-fetched as that seemed.
A fleeting romance
As Calciomercato.com report, several videos went around on Saturday showing Maldini speaking heatedly with Safi. The footage came from the Fenerbahce stadium, where the general meeting of all members was taking place, during which the presidential candidates were present.
Now, the Milan icon has apparently decided to distance himself from Safi and withdraw from any involvement during the elections. Maldini is apparently reluctant expose himself beyond the permitted limits, given that Safi has not yet been elected.
Turkish journalist Yunus Aydin adds that Maldini didn’t appreciate the latter’s communication style during the election campaign. The rift came from the ex-defender’s disapproval of Safi’s latest public statements which he deemed to be damaging to his image.
In the midst of a bid to become president of the Istanbul club, Safi had stated that he had agreements with several players, including Mason Greenwood. Other sources assured that these transfers were far from finalised.
Maldini didn’t like Safi’s attitude during the very tense moments surrounding his presentation on stage during the election campaign. Someone is seen asking Maldini to stand up with Safi, while the Italian himself refuses to do so and, a few seconds later, tells his interlocutor that he wants to leave.
Hakan Safi’nin futbol aklı Paolo Maldini, Fenerbahçe’deki genel kurul ortamını pek sevmemiş gibi gözüküyor… pic.twitter.com/eje8I2OTND
— Dici Futbol (@dicifutbol) June 6, 2026