Rumors surrounding a potential bid by former Chile international Marcelo Salas to lead the national football federation have intensified amid secret meetings, high-level phone calls, and the reported sale of his current club, Deportes Temuco, as Cooperativa reported. As Chilean football navigates a period of executive restructuring, intermediaries have targeted the legendary striker to spearhead the Federación de Fútbol de Chile, leveraging his post-career management studies and extensive international contacts.
The Federation Push and Behind-the-Scenes Manoeuvrings
Discussions regarding Salas stepping into the federation presidency involve coordinated outreach from various domestic football stakeholders. According to reporting by La Tercera, figures within regional football administration have actively scoped candidates, initially contacting figures such as Northern club executives before focusing their attention on the former striker. Salas holds a significant backing from ANFA (Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Amateur), positioning him as a unifying figure capable of bridging amateur and professional sectors.
While interest in his candidacy grows, Salas has drawn a sharp line between national governing bodies and the controversial Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP). In remarks reported by La Tercera following Deportes Temuco’s recent defeat to San Marcos de Arica, Salas stated that while he has received numerous inquiries regarding the federation role, he has no ongoing involvement with ANFP leadership contests. “In the Federation they have named me a lot, it is something totally different from the ANFP,” Salas noted, distancing himself from league-level administrative battles.
Deportes Temuco Put Up For Sale
The administrative speculation coincides with a pivotal moment for Deportes Temuco, the Primera B side Salas has owned since 2013. Following a disappointing 2026 campaign that ended without a promotion berth, Salas addressed his long-term future at the Estadio Germán Becker, admitting he does not intend to remain at the helm indefinitely. “I don’t intend to stay here all the time. On the contrary, I also have many things to do in my personal life. I am realizing that we have already been in this wheel of weekend, matches, and squad formation for 18 years,” Salas said, as covered by Sabes Deportes and PrensaFútbol.
Evaluating a potential exit from the Ñielol squad, Salas acknowledged that an operation to transfer ownership of the club would hover around US$ 4 million, according to La Tercera’s reporting on the valuation. Although outside parties have shown interest in acquiring the institution, no formal proposal has materialized. Reassuring supporters ahead of the team’s final 2026 fixture against Curicó Unido on October 30, Salas emphasized his commitment to a responsible transition: “The club always has interested parties, but there is no proposal and we are not going to leave it stranded either. Obviously I have to follow, the club cannot be left stranded.”
Autocriticism and Squad Planning for 2027
On the pitch, Deportes Temuco’s struggles during the 2026 season prompted blunt self-reflection from the club president. Addressing the media after the 2-1 loss to San Marcos de Arica, Salas shouldered responsibility for the team’s poor run under initial coach Arturo Sanhueza, noting that management simply chose poorly at the start of the campaign, as RedGol reported. To illustrate the volatility of managerial appointments, Salas drew a comparison to San Luis manager Humberto Suazo, pointing out that initial inexperience in the dugout does not preclude competitive success.
Looking toward the 2027 season, the club structure is set for an overhaul before the turn of the calendar year. Salas confirmed that Deportes Temuco will install a new sporting director prior to December 31 to conduct a comprehensive roster analysis, with veteran playmaker Diego Buonanotte singled out as a vital pillar for the organization moving forward.
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