The steps necessary to transform the awarding of the sports branch of the ACR from provisional to definitive are entrusted to some technicians. Lawyers and accountants, “led” by the lawyer Raimondo Adamo with a special power of attorney, who have the task of implementing all the bureaucratic and administrative paperwork. The next steps are the establishment of a NewCo and attribution to it of all the requirements to take over the sporting title from the FIGC, so as to be able to take over at the federal level as well. Only in a few days, once these phases have been completed, the members of Racing Group and Global Capital will arrive in Sicily.
As for the roles in the operational apparatus, Justin Davis should take on the role of president, while Morris Pagniello would be ready to take over the leadership of the general management. Precisely with the latter, a former footballer and FIFA agent, a crucial figure in Racing’s multi-club project, we took stock of the present and future.
You saw the current team live a few weeks ago and then the remote derby. What do you think?
«We have looked at the team in recent weeks and are analyzing the situation well. The immediate objective is salvation, for which we will make targeted interventions. We have clear ideas about what is needed. We also want to structure the company with adequate professional figures, to give balance and continuity to the project and build something important over time.”
What sporting and organizational interventions will you carry out as a priority?
«The priority is to bring order and structure. We are working to strengthen the team’s preparation, optimize daily management and build a clear sporting foundation. One of our main objectives is to create a real youth sector, with academies and development programs for young people in the area, but also to attract international talents who can enrich the growth of the club. We want Messina to become a point of reference for the development of footballers, both local and foreign, and for the city to become a recognized football destination.”
Are there figures already identified who will be part of the project?
«We have not yet made definitive decisions on key roles, because our approach is to carefully evaluate what already exists. We don’t want to change the structure drastically, but strengthen it where needed, maintaining continuity and respect for the work done”
Will you administer the club from Messina or will you delegate?
«We will be present and directly involved. My life will be divided between Madrid and Messina, because I believe that presence in the area is fundamental to understanding the dynamics and transmitting our mentality at work. There will be operational delegations, but direct contact with the city and the team is essential.”
The square is burned by several recent disappointments, what do you feel like saying right away to make it clear that you are different from others?
«I perfectly understand the disappointment of the fans. Football in Messina lives on passion and passion suffers when there is a lack of trust. What we can say is that we do not promise miracles, but seriousness, transparency and work. Our goal is to stabilize the club and open Messina to the world, something that has never been done so far. We want to build a project that proudly represents the city, in Italy and abroad.”
Old stories from the past are brought up about him. Who is Morris Pagniello today and what does he do?
«Today I am a football professional with international experience. I have learned a lot from past mistakes and I consider them part of my personal and professional growth path. Over the years we have built a large network of relationships around the world through our academies and collaborations with key figures in the international football scene. I manage sports projects in different countries, but my heart remains in Italian football. Today I am here with a clear vision: to restore value, credibility and passion to Messina.”