- Was sacked only seven months into his CEO tenure
Former Melbourne Football Club chief executive Paul Guerra is preparing for a legal showdown with the AFL club that sensationally dumped him after just seven months in the role.
The former CEO is expected to launch legal action seeking more than $1million in termination payments following his abrupt exit from the Demons on April 28, in a dispute that is threatening to drag one of the AFL’s biggest clubs into an ugly public fight.
Guerra was informed his services were no longer required only 232 days after officially starting in the position, despite Melbourne sitting inside the top four under new coach Steven King.
The club initially described the decision as stemming from a ‘general lack of confidence’, with president Steven Smith insisting the move had unanimous board support.
But fresh details surrounding Guerra’s departure have painted a picture of growing tension between the former boss and Melbourne’s powerbrokers behind closed doors.
Veteran football journalist Caroline Wilson revealed Guerra allegedly made several significant decisions without board approval, including ongoing discussions surrounding a potential temporary move to Waverley Park.
Paul Guerra admitted he was ‘really puzzled’ by Melbourne’s shock decision to sack him from the CEO role
Melbourne’s ugly off-field dispute threatened to overshadow the Demons’ strong AFL season under coach Steven King during 2026
Guerra’s lawyers claimed the former Melbourne chief executive had a ‘strong claim’ against the AFL powerhouse club
‘I think there is genuine evidence that there were times when he acted without the board’s consent,’ Wilson said on The Agenda Setters.
‘One red flag was raised in early March when it was reported that Melbourne were moving to Waverley in the interim before any potential Caulfield deal.’
Wilson said club officials became concerned the discussions around Waverley could jeopardise Melbourne’s proposed long-term move to Caulfield.
‘Guerra continued to visit Waverley with AFL bosses, went there many times, and in the end Melbourne told him to stop visiting Waverley because they were really worried about this hampering the Caulfield deal,’ she said.
The situation reportedly escalated when auditorium seating at Waverley Park was reupholstered in Melbourne colours despite resistance from the board.
‘This did not go down well with people,’ Wilson added.
Further friction reportedly emerged over discussions about selling a second home game to the Northern Territory, with reports the board was blindsided after details became public.
‘Then Tom Morris reported that Melbourne were looking at not one game in the Northern Territory but two,’ Wilson said.
‘The board had no idea this story was coming out.’
Guerra quickly lawyered up following his dismissal and publicly confirmed the dispute was heading down a legal path.
‘It’s been a challenging day. I’m really puzzled by the board’s decision,’ Guerra said.
‘I’m really proud of the team we’ve put together and I’m really proud of the role that I’ve played in the team’s success.
‘To everybody that’s sent messages and phoned today -and there’s been a lot – I really appreciate that.
‘The matter’s now in the hands of my lawyers, so I can’t say much more than that for now.’
The Demons have since appointed experienced football administrator Brian Cook as interim CEO while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Meanwhile, the legal battle appears set to intensify.
It is understood Guerra’s legal team are preparing a claim that includes allegations of reputational damage, while Melbourne have reportedly engaged high-profile legal figures in anticipation of a fierce fight.
A spokesman for Guerra’s lawyers recently accused the club of continuing to brief against their client through the media.
‘Mr Guerra has a strong claim, which will shortly be filed,’ the spokesman said.
‘He will continue to respect the legal process, and the substance of his claim against the Club will emerge at the appropriate time.’
