Sponsorship of football and other sports has always carried a lot of controversy and therefore it is not a surprise that sports sponsorship by gambling companies is being discussed and scrutinized so avidly. Nevertheless, what must be the most intriguing quote on sports sponsorship appears in today’s Financial Times – and it is not related to gambling companies. Instead, it comes from an employee of an established bank in Italy. A Monte dei Paschi bank executive is quoted saying, “When we pulled the sponsorship of the football team and basketball team, we received death threats.”

AC Siena football sponsorship

Monte dei Paschi Bank began sponsoring the Italian football club AC Siena in 2007. This partnership lasted until 2013, during which the bank’s logo was prominently displayed on the team’s jerseys and other promotional materials. The financial backing from MPS helped AC Siena to compete at higher levels, attracting better players and enhancing the club’s infrastructure.

Sana Basket Siena basketball sponsorship

In basketball, Monte dei Paschi Bank sponsored the Mens Sana Basket Siena, also known as Montepaschi Siena. It began in 2000 and continued until 2014. This period marked a golden era for the team, which won multiple Italian championships and gained significant recognition in European competitions. The financial support from MPS was crucial in building a team that dominated the Italian basketball scene, winning five consecutive Serie A titles from 2007 to 2011. The sponsorship also helped the team to secure top-tier talent and improve its training facilities, contributing to its sustained success.

Financial Times report on Monte dei Paschi di Siena

The Financial Times has featured an extensive article on Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA, the world’s oldest bank, based in Siena. The article explores the rich history and recent developments of this historic institution, which has been a part of the Italian banking sector for centuries. Founded in 1472, Monte dei Paschi di Siena has weathered numerous economic storms and controversies and continues to play an active role in Italy’s financial sector.

The death of David Rossi, the head of communications at Monte dei Paschi di Siena, is one of the most controversial and tragic incidents in the bank’s history. On 6 March, 2013, Rossi was found dead beneath an open window at the bank’s headquarters in Siena. Initially ruled a suicide, his death has been surrounded by suspicion and controversy.

Rossi’s body was discovered below his office window at Rocca Salimbeni, the historic headquarters of MPS. He had reportedly been under significant pressure due to ongoing investigations into the bank’s financial dealings. The initial conclusion of suicide was quickly questioned as several inconsistencies and unanswered questions emerged. Surveillance footage showed a man walking past Rossi’s body shortly after the fall, raising doubts about the initial conclusions and suggesting that there might be more to the story.

In 2022, new evidence prompted authorities to reopen the investigation. This included video footage suggesting that Rossi’s death might not have been a suicide. The case remains one of the most mysterious and debated incidents in the bank’s history, highlighting the intense pressures and complexities surrounding MPS during its financial crisis. The ongoing investigations and public interest in the case continue to keep it in the spotlight.

As of this year, Monte dei Paschi di Siena is undergoing significant restructuring. The bank has been working to improve its financial health and stability after facing severe financial difficulties in the past decade. Recent efforts have focused on reducing the cost-to-income ratio, improving asset quality, and increasing profitability. MPS has successfully issued several bonds and improved its credit ratings. Additionally, the bank has committed to further disposals and capital increases to meet regulatory requirements and secure investor confidence. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

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