Evangelos Marinakis will invest in Cotia with the objective of expanding the formation of talents in the São Paulo club
São Paulo Futebol Clube is in negotiations with Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis for a partnership in the grassroots categories. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed, representing an advance in discussions for the development of young talent in Cotia. The agreement still needs to be approved by the competent clubs of the club.
The Mou establishes the initial terms for discussions about the financial and operational aspects of the partnership. São Paulo General Superintendent, Márcio Carlomagno, explained that the document is not binding, but facilitates further negotiation. The signing of the definitive contract is subject to the approval of the Deliberative Council.
The partnership proposal does not involve selling the control of grassroots categories, but provides for an investment of R $ 350 million, designed to strengthen the club’s capacity to capture new talents. Currently, São Paulo focuses on the formation of players in Cotia, with the objective of expanding the number of hiring before the transition to the professional phase.
Evangelos Marinakis, 57, owns Olympiacos, Greece, and Nottingham Forest from England, and his fortune comes from the maritime sector with the capital Maritime Group. Its equity is estimated at $ 22 billion. Under his management, Olympiacos won several titles, and Nottingham Forest returned to Premier League in 2022 after 23 years of absence. Marinakis also acquired Rio Ave, from Portugal, in 2023.
Despite his football career, Marinakis was involved in controversy, including investigations into results manipulation and attempts at corruption in Greek football, of which he was acquitted.
