Former professional footballer Roberto Carlos has confirmed he is joining a group of investors, including Ronaldo Fenômeno, to acquire the Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) of Inter de Limeira.
The Investment Group Behind Inter de Limeira
The investment vehicle for the transformation of Inter de Limeira into a SAF includes Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo Fenômeno, and a group of partners, including Enrico Ambrogini. According to Roberto Carlos, the group also involves two international partners from Africa and an Arab nation. The goal is to gradually re-enter the interior football market to reorganize clubs and develop talent for the national team.
Enrico Ambrogini, a central figure in the transition, brings significant experience to the project. He previously served as the director of operations at Cruzeiro during Ronaldo’s tenure, worked at the Spanish club Valladolid, and acted as the CEO of Inter de Limeira from 2019 to 2021.
Did you know?
Inter de Limeira, founded in 1913, made history in 1986 by becoming the first club from the interior of São Paulo to win the state championship. They also secured the Série B title in 1988.
Strategic Goals for Interior Football
The acquisition arrives as Inter de Limeira seeks to stabilize its operations. The club’s Deliberative Council approved the SAF conversion in April. Currently, the club is competing in the Série C of the Campeonato Brasileiro and is aiming to regain its spot in the top tier of the Campeonato Paulista following a failed promotion attempt in the Série A2 this year.
Roberto Carlos indicated that the investment is not limited to a single club. During his interview, he expressed an interest in supporting other traditional interior teams, specifically mentioning a fondness for União São João. He plans to study these clubs to assist with sponsorship acquisition and help restore the competitiveness that characterized interior football in previous decades.
Financial and Operational Trends in Brazilian Football
When analyzing SAF investments, look at the background of the appointed CEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SAF model?
Who is leading the investment in Inter de Limeira?
The investment group is led by Ronaldo Fenômeno and Roberto Carlos, alongside partners including Enrico Ambrogini and international investors from Africa and an Arab nation.
What are the immediate goals for Inter de Limeira?
Following the approval of the SAF by the Deliberative Council, the club is focused on its performance in the Série C and securing promotion back to the elite level of the Campeonato Paulista.
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