Harry Massis, president of the club, stated in a leaked audio that he does not have the resources to pay the R$2 million for the termination of coach Roger Machado, the target of criticism from the fans
The president of São Paulo Futebol Clube, Harry Massis, stated that the club does not have the resources to change coaches. In an audio leaked after the 3-2 defeat to Corinthians on Sunday (May 10, 2026), in the Brazilian Championship, the director asked fans to be calm with the work of coach Roger Machado, as a possible dismissal would cost around R$2 million to the club’s coffers, according to the .
Massis assumed the presidency of the club in January 2026 after the resignation of Julio Casares, who was being investigated for possible irregular sales of boxes at the São Paulo stadium, Morumbis. Less than 3 months later, in March, Massis fired Argentine coach Hernán Crespo, whose contract termination cost R$3.9 million. The decision was questioned by fans because the club was in second place in the Brazilian Championship.
“We don’t have the means to hire, to change the coach. We don’t have money. Don’t you understand that we got São Paulo scrapped? They didn’t pay anything last year. Everything is left for me. We don’t have money. I never said that São Paulo would be champions. If we come 6th in the championship, it’s great to go to the Libertadores. Let’s take it easy, it’s not like that”, said the leader in the recording.
Massis also stated that the club still bears expenses related to former coaches and cited the termination fines for Hernán Crespo and Luis Zubeldía.
“I’m not going to pay another fine. I’m paying from the back, paying a fine from Dorival Júnior, from Zubeldía, who has nothing to do with it. I paid a fine from Crespo from the 1st ticket, who has nothing to do with it. Everything is left for me. There’s no money. Don’t you understand that? Our Lady, let’s take it easy”, said Massis.
COSTS OF OTHER DISMISSALS
Since Dorival Júnior left for the Brazilian team, in 2024, São Paulo has already fired 3 coaches and accumulated around R$10.6 million in termination fines and debts with former commanders.
In the 2025 financial statement, released in May 2026, the club reported a debt of R$1.4 million with Dorival Júnior and R$2.1 million with Hernán Crespo, referring to the first dismissal of the Argentine coach in 2021. The amount referring to Crespo’s first transfer was paid by Massis’ management.
Thiago Carpini’s departure, on April 18, 2024, cost approximately R$1.2 million to the club’s coffers. Luis Zubeldía, who led the team from April 2024 to June 2025, had a termination fine of R$3 million after his dismissal.
O Poder360 contacted São Paulo’s press office about the leaked audio of Harry Massis. If there is a response, this text will be updated.
DEBT OF SÃO PAULO
São Paulo has a debt of R$858.2 million. With data from 2025, the club is the 8th most owed in Brazilian football, behind clubs such as Corinthians, Atlético Mineiro, Palmeiras and Santos. Find out more.
