When a football club's season starts spiraling, the fallout often reaches far beyond the pitch. For Atlético-MG, that turbulence has now claimed one of its most powerful figures. Rafael Menin, a majority shareholder in the club's SAF (Sociedade Anônima do Futebol), has announced he is stepping away from day-to-day operations and football department decisions—a move that signals deeper cracks behind the scenes.
This wasn't a sudden or quiet exit. According to reports from Globo's sports outlet ge, Menin's departure is the result of mounting tensions and clashes that have been building over several years. The breaking point? A toxic mix of fractured relationships, controversial personnel moves, and growing external pressure that ultimately made his position unsustainable.
The Hulk Factor
Perhaps the most explosive issue involved the club's iconic No. 7, Hulk. Menin reportedly held the "final say" on the striker's future, and that power became a flashpoint. In January, the board presented a renewal offer that Hulk's camp viewed as insulting—described by the player himself as a kind of "early retirement" proposal. The rejection set the stage for a bitter standoff.
By April, the situation had reached a boiling point. Before a critical clash against Flamengo, Menin allegedly approached Hulk in the dressing room to say goodbye, effectively freezing the star striker out of the squad. The club has declined to comment on that specific episode, but the damage was done. Hulk is now reportedly close to joining Fluminense.
Behind Closed Doors
Anonymous sources within the club paint a picture of an executive who wielded his authority with an iron fist. Phrases like "The club is mine, I'm the one in charge" were reportedly common, and Menin's influence allegedly extended beyond the boardroom. He was accused of interfering with coaching staffs, offering unsolicited opinions on lineups and tactical setups—a move that created deep discomfort in the football department.
When contacted, Atlético-MG denied these claims of on-pitch interference, stating they were "unaware" of Menin's input. The club defended his conduct, describing him as "extremely polite and kind" in his interactions behind the scenes.
Pressure from All Sides
External pressure also played a role. With disappointing results piling up and fan frustration mounting, the scrutiny on Menin's leadership became impossible to ignore. For a club already navigating the complexities of a SAF transition, the off-field drama only added to the instability.
As Atlético-MG looks to steady the ship, Menin's exit marks the end of an era—and raises new questions about who will steer the club through these choppy waters. For fans and players alike, the hope is that a calmer, more focused football operation can finally take shape.