Massis shocks allies, appoints opposition to top São Paulo roles | OneFootball

The changes implemented by Harry Massis, the newly appointed president of São Paulo until the end of the year following the impeachment of Julio Casares, are expected to bring two surprising developments even for long-time allies of the leader in the coming week.

Two well-known names from the former opposition to Casares, who played a crucial role in the ex-president's departure, are expected to take on top positions in Massis's administration: Caio Forjaz is set to become the legal advisor, while Miguel Souza will be the deputy director of social affairs.

The information was initially disclosed by journalist and friend Ramoni Artico, from ‘São Paulo Digital‘, and confirmed to AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR by sources within the São Paulo leadership.

Forjaz, who was vocal in the impeachment process of Casares, became the main orchestrator of the groups opposing the ex-president alongside Massis after his appointment.

A week ago, the lawyer and council member leaked one of his meetings with the current leader through a social media post. “In five days, he did more than the other. Removed the CEO and will end the political stronghold in social affairs,” praised Forjaz.

Some prominent figures in the position, such as Flávio Marques, are also expected to be invited to take roles in the club.

Nearly a month into his tenure as the club's top executive, Massis has been making structural changes at São Paulo gradually. So far, he has overseen the departure of four directors. However, the complete list is expected to include more than ten names.

As the report found, Massis ruled out promoting a ‘revolution,’ partly to avoid disrupting the club's operations (especially finances). Therefore, the idea is to gradually remove names associated with Casares, on a weekly basis.

Other suggestions from opposition members, such as the dismissal of football executive Rui Costa, were dismissed by the new president.

Regarding arrivals, one is confirmed. Toninho Paiva, a long-time member of Massis's political group, is the new social director, replacing Antônio Donizeti, known as Dedé, who confirmed his departure hours after Casares's resignation letter was published on social media.

For the position of Márcio Carlomagno, who also had his dismissal announced following Casares's resignation, Massis is considering inviting Luiz Cunha.

He is not an unfamiliar name. The successful businessman currently residing in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) has previously held directorial positions at São Paulo. With Carlos Miguel Aidar, he was the director of the youth academy and club departments. With Carlos Augusto Barros e Silva, known as Leco, he joined the professional football department, where he had previously been an assistant during the tenures of Marcelo Portugal Gouvêa and Juvenal Juvêncio.

Despite being highly praised by the then-president, Cunha lasted just over five months in the position. He clashed with then-executive Gustavo Sampaio, accusing him of reporting directly to Leco. The final straw was the signing of Peruvian player Cueva, made by Sampaio without his consent and backed by the leader.

Out of São Paulo's politics since then, Cunha is seen as a figure capable of pleasing all sides and at least calming and shielding football from politics and the upcoming electoral process. This is partly due to his involvement in various club administrations and political groups.

Massis himself is an example of this. In 2016, the current president was an opponent of Leco, and his political group at the time issued a manifesto supporting Cunha and opposing the signing of Cueva.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.