Bologna President Joe Tacopina has surprisingly resigned after a series of clashes with patron Joey Saputo.
The pair disagreed on transfer strategy and there were rumours of problems within the club for a few weeks, but the resignation still comes as a bolt from the blue.
Tacopina was taking initial legal action against Saputo for pulling out of loaning money for club shares, whereas the Canadian insisted this was always the deal.
Italian-American lawyer Tacopina left his previous job at Roma to become President of Bologna in October 2014.
Bologna President Joe Tacopina has surprisingly resigned after a series of clashes with patron Joey Saputo.
The pair disagreed on transfer strategy and there were rumours of problems within the club for a few weeks, but the resignation still comes as a bolt from the blue.
Tacopina was taking initial legal action against Saputo for pulling out of loaning money for club shares, whereas the Canadian insisted this was always the deal.
Italian-American lawyer Tacopina left his previous job at Roma to become President of Bologna in October 2014.
He has also resigned from the Board of Directors, having helped take the club from Serie B into the top flight.
“Mr Tacopina is honoured to have been the 30th President of Bologna, who crowned last season with the return of their legitimate place in Serie A.
“He will be eternally grateful to the marvellous Rossoblu fans for their support over the last year. He is proud to have been part of the rebirth of people’s passion for Bologna and will not forget what these people gave him.
“At this moment in which Mr Saputo and Mr Tacopina mutually agree to take different paths, Mr Saputo wishes Mr Tacopina the best success for his future activities, while Mr Tacopina is convinced that with the financial support and guidance of Mr Saputo Bologna FC 1909 will have a brilliant future.”
Canadian magnate Saputo is also the owner of MLS club Montreal Impact.
This resignation comes just hours before a crunch Serie A match against Frosinone.