The new president of São Paulo, businessman Harry Massis Junior, 80, assumes the presidency of the Morumbi club with challenges to be addressed in the short term, both on and off the field, but with the director having already recognized that he was not as aware of the institution’s routine in recent months.
“I will find out from tomorrow [sábado]. He was very far away”, said the leader in an interview with journalists on Friday night (16), after being confirmed as the new president of São Paulo, following the approval of Julio Casares’ impeachment.
Massis Junior was Casares’ deputy for the three-year period from 2021 to 2023, and re-elected with the top hat for the period from 2024 to 2026. He takes over on an interim basis for the next 30 days, the deadline for the president of the Deliberative Council, Olten Ayres, to convene a General Assembly of members.
If the impeachment is also approved by the partners, Massis Junior will serve the remainder of his term until new elections are held, scheduled for the end of the year.
“I’m sad. That wasn’t what I wanted. São Paulo doesn’t deserve what happened. I would never have liked to have assumed it like that,” said the leader, who voted in favor of Casares’ impeachment.
Under the opposition’s allegation that the deposed president had been carrying out “reckless management” in front of the club’s accounts, Massis Junior took over São Paulo with the club’s debts close to a billion, although on a downward trend in recent months.
According to the most recent data published, the total debt of the Morumbi association amounted to around R$912 million in September 2025, which corresponds to a drop of 5.8% compared to the record value of R$968 million reached in December 2024.
The movement was driven by the reduction in renegotiated bank debts, which fell from R$259 million to R$202 million, a drop of 22%.
In addition to the limited budget due to the lack of prizes after a year of 2025 without titles and the failure to qualify for the Copa Libertadores, Massis Junior will also have the job of rebuilding the club’s professional football department.
Carlos Belmonte, who held the position in recent years, left after the historic 6-0 defeat by Fluminense, at the end of November, and football coordinator Muricy Ramalho has already signaled that he should also ask to leave in the coming weeks.
The emptying of the department, which continues with executive Rui Costa accumulating functions, comes at the same time that São Paulo continues in the market looking for reinforcements for the squad missing from Argentine coach Hernán Crespo.
In the current transfer window, the main signing of the Tricolor board so far was that of midfielder Danielzinho, Mirassol’s standout player last season, aged 31. São Paulo also announced Paraguayan goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, to be Rafael’s backup, and defender Matheus Dória, 31, who returns to join the squad after a short stint in 2015.
With the likely early retirement of midfielder Oscar, who suffered a serious health problem at the end of last year, the club is still looking for a player to play in the same position. The young Argentine Julián Fernández, 21, from New York City, is a name that pleases the coaching staff. Midfielder Allan, from Flamengo, and midfielder Kevin Zenón, from Boca Juniors, are also of interest.
Furthermore, the club is still negotiating a possible exchange with Corinthians in a deal involving midfielder Alisson, which is of interest to the black and white coach, Dorival Júnior.
The team’s next commitment under the new presidency will be the classic against Corinthians this Sunday (18), at 4pm (Brasília time), at the Neo Química Arena, in Itaquera, for the third round of the Campeonato Paulista.
São Paulo is coming off a 1-0 victory against São Bernardo on Thursday (15), scored by Luciano, at Morumbi, after debuting in the state with a 3-0 defeat to Mirassol, away from home. The team occupies 10th place in the league table.
“Everyone knows that we are living in a difficult time. There are ongoing investigations and they need to be treated seriously, calmly and with respect for the institutions and the right of defense of each person involved,” said Massis, in reference to the Civil Police investigations into the receipt of R$1.5 million in cash deposits into Casares’ personal accounts and the making of 35 withdrawals from the club’s accounts between 2021 and 2025, totaling R$11 million.
“What I can say, clearly, is the following: the club will continue competing, honoring its shirt and its history”, added the new president. “This is not a time for hasty judgments, nor for empty speeches. It is a time for work, serenity and respect for our fans. I ask for trust, patience and, especially, unity.”
A lifelong advisor, the new president owns the Hotel Massis, in the Consolação region, in São Paulo, and also operates in the parking business. A member since April 1964, he has held several management positions in recent decades at the club.
