Cecilia Pérez, former Sports Minister and metropolitan intendant, has assumed the presidency of Azul Azul, the concessionaire managing Universidad de Chile, becoming the first woman to lead a Primera División club in Chile. She replaces Michael Clark, who resigned last week amid a sanction from the Financial Market Commission over the Sartor case. Pérez pledged teamwork to improve sports and financial performance, including the dream of a new stadium.
Cecilia Pérez assumed the presidency of Azul Azul on Tuesday following a unanimous election by the nine directors at the shareholders' meeting held at the Centro Deportivo Azul. The two representatives from Universidad de Chile abstained, as the new president explained in her first press conference. "I'm grateful to the board. The behavior was historic. There was unanimity," she stated.
A lifelong fan of the club, Pérez highlighted the historic milestone of being the first woman to preside over a Primera División team in Chile and one of the few in South America, alongside Palmeiras' president. "It's an honor to be the first female president of a club. Universidad de Chile must always play finals and compete for championships," she affirmed. She also addressed a potential return of Alexis Sánchez: "The doors are open. This can be his home".
Among the challenges, she emphasized financial stability after paying off historic debt and the own stadium project, urging bold authorities to support it without obstacles. "Selling smoke is not part of my essence," she assured. José Ramón Correa took on the vice presidency, while figures like José Miguel Insulza, Francisco Aylwin, and Pablo Silva joined the board.
Michael Clark, who led Azul Azul since 2021, left amid the CMF sanction. Pérez defended him: "Michael is my friend and will remain so. As a club, we are calm".
