São Paulo FC currently faces a significant financial liability, owing a total of R$10 million to former coaches Hernán Crespo, Luis Zubeldía, and Dorival Júnior. This debt is indicative of the club’s ongoing challenges in managing its financial commitments.
São Paulo’s Coaching Debt Breakdown
The primary portion of the R$10 million debt relates to two coaches:
- Hernán Crespo: Over R$4 million is owed due to his exit. São Paulo completed payments of R$2.1 million from his first tenure, but incurred additional costs following his second departure in April 2025.
- Luis Zubeldía: Approximately R$3 million is still due to Zubeldía, who was at the helm from April 2024 to June 2025. His debt, although not officially reported in the club’s balance sheet, arises from a mutual agreement during his dismissal.
- Dorival Júnior: He is associated with a debt of R$3.2 million. This figure pertains to outstanding payments from his second term. Notably, R$1.45 million of this amount has already been settled between 2024 and 2025.
Financial Implications for the Club
Recent disclosures, including audio leaked from club president Harry Massis, highlight the ongoing financial strain these liabilities impose on São Paulo FC. The coaching debts emphasize the necessity for strategic financial governance within the organization.
Future Measures
To manage this debt effectively, São Paulo may need to explore several options:
- Restructuring payment agreements with the coaches.
- Implementing stricter financial oversight.
- Prioritizing revenue generation through ticket sales and sponsorships.
The challenges posed by outstanding payments to past coaches underline the broader financial issues within the club, requiring immediate and focused attention from leadership to ensure sustainability.
