Cecilia Pérez, a former minister in Sebastián Piñera's governments, will assume the presidency of Azul Azul, the concessionaire managing Universidad de Chile football club, succeeding Michael Clark. The executive, a lifelong fan of La U, has been praised by colleagues for her passion for football and experience in sports policies. Her appointment marks a milestone as the first woman to preside over a sports anonymous society.
Cecilia Pérez, an RN militant and former state secretary in Sebastián Piñera's administrations, will become the new president of Azul Azul, the entity managing Universidad de Chile's fortunes. She succeeds Michael Clark at a time when the team seeks to regain its sporting position. Pérez joined the board in 2022, stating then: “I have been a U fan since I can remember. It is a dream and also a huge responsibility to join the board of the club I love so much".
Her career includes roles as councilor in La Florida, intendant of the Metropolitan Region, minister of the Segpres and Sports. As intendant, she authorized Universidad Católica to play classics at its stadium and promoted admission rights in the Professional Football Spectacles Rights and Duties Law, according to Senator Matías Walker.
Colleagues from various political sectors praise her commitment. Former Senator Lily Pérez, her mentor, describes her as "super creative and pushy", with passion for women's football. Olympic champion Francisca Crovetto highlights her closeness as Sports Minister: "She was always present, had direct access to everyone and wanted to make changes". Tomás de Rementería and Karla Rubilar also praise her fandom and courage.
The appointment is seen as positive after Clark's tenure. Pérez supported reforms to the Sports Anonymous Societies Law and defused tensions in the Chilean federation, drawing on her Estallido Social experience.
