At an already critical time for AC Milan, with no clear technical leadership and numerous important administrative positions vacant ahead of next season, the presence of two of the club's top figures in Washington has sparked discussion among fans. RedBird Capital Partners owner Gerry Cardinale and former champion turned AC Milan manager Zlatan Ibrahimović attended Donald Trump's 80th birthday celebration in Washington, which included a mixed martial arts event on the evening's schedule. Among the sidelines was a high-profile UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fight called "UFC Freedom 250", held in a unique setting and attended by a VIP audience, including Cardinale and Ibrahimović. They were seen ringside during Frenchman Ciryl Gane's victory against Alex Pereira. While their united appearance was interpreted as a show of internal unity—at a time when rumors of conflict between the ownership and the sporting department circulated—it also sparked new controversy in Italy. Many AC Milan fans criticized the decision to attend such a high-profile social gathering while the club is in deep turmoil, stuck between a failed season and the prospect of a corporate restructuring. The perceived disconnect between the club's top management and its on-field priorities was the focal point of a social media outcry from fans. They would have preferred concrete signals regarding the team's technical future rather than images of prestige in a context that is so disconnected from the dynamics of European soccer. The situation has been further complicated by Ibrahimović's public role as a television commentator for the 2026 World Cup in recent weeks, which has prompted additional discussion among fans.