The president of Italian tyre manufacturers Pirelli has warned Inter Milan that if they do not qualify for Europe, his company may have to reconsider their sponsorship of the Serie A club.
Pirelli have been one of the Nerazzurri's main sponsors since 1995 and still have a contract with the club that runs through to the end of next season, worth a reported €14 million per annum.
The chances of that agreement being extended by another year now appear to depend on whether the 2010 Champions League winners can return to being a protagonist in Italy and more importantly in Europe.
"Football is an extremely important vehicle on a global level and if Inter are relegated only to an international level, it doesn't make any sense for Pirelli to continue," said Marco Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli president.
"If the economic conditions are in keeping with the results of a team which should be aiming to be playing in Europe, then we will see."
Tronchetti Provera had a close relationship with Inter's former president Massimo Moratti, but since he stepped aside and sold his majority share to Erick Thohir, the club's fortunes have taken a dive and they risk missing out on a place in Europe next season.
To make the Europa League qualifiers, they must win their final game of the season against Empoli on Sunday and hope Sampdoria fail to pick up a point against relegated Parma. Even then, qualification depends on Genoa failing with their appeal against being refused a licence to play in Europe next season.
Tronchetti Provera nevertheless said he hopes it does not come to the point where he has to pull the plug on his company's sponsorship and that they instead manage to turn things around on the field.
"It's a difficult challenge, but I hope they make it," he added in an interview with GR Parlamento radio. "Something has to be done, though, because the fans deserve better.
"They need more leaders on the field, and they need to change the team's mentality. We have a great coach. It's not going to be easy to bridge the gap, but decisions need to be taken which will see the club return to where they were.
"We're used to ups and downs, but this latest down is lasting too long."
It has been rumoured that Mario Balotelli may return this summer after a disappointing year at Liverpool.
"He's a top player, but a complex lad," Tronchetti Provera added. "We would need to see whether the coach is capable of getting him to express the quality that he has. I wish him all the best."