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Thanopoulos Elected New AEK Athens President

It's a third president in the space of a season for AEK but will this one bring a solution to their growing list of problems?

Feb 4, 2009 2:10:54 PM

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Nikos Thanopoulos was elected as the new president of AEK Athens after board meeting held by the Greek club today [Wednesday].

He succeeds former president Giorgios Kintis, who resigned from his post after a failed attempt to raise share capital in a part sale of the club during January.

That move was seen by the Greek media as an attempt to lure former president Dimitris Melissanidis back to the club as a major shareholder, though he has since distanced himself from any involvement with AEK.

Thanopoulos will now take the reigns at a club whose financial problems are well documented and for whom the next sixth months will need particularly delicate treatment.

The Right Stuff

Meanwhile, Nikos Notias has been announced as one of the vice-presidents and following the meeting gave his full support to Thanopoulos in statements also released on the club’s official website.

“I think he is the most suitable man to run the team at the moment, as he has already been doing for some time now,” Notias said.

Notias also ruled himself out as a candidate for the presidency, instead insisting that Thanopoulos would act as his “voice” in Greece.

He continued, “Because I live abroad, it is not easy and not right for me to become AEK’s president.

“When Mr. Thanopoulos speaks, it will be as though I am speaking.

“Mr. Thanopoulos will be president; he is a shareholder of AEK, a connoisseur of football and I believe he will help us a lot.”

Not Going Anywhere

Thanopoulos will have the task of guiding the club through one of the most difficult periods of its recent history, with debts and running costs still to be addressed fully.

Though his may not be a permanent reign, it will certainly be a crucial one.

Notias meanwhile ensured that all shareholders had pledged their support despite the financial difficulties faced by the club, even in light of an increasingly problematic economic climate.

“We have ensured the economic continuity of the team,” Notias said. “All of the shareholders have decided to support the team indefinitely.

“The world has serious economic problems, but we will not leave the team; we will support it however we can.”

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Thanopoulos will assume many of the same responsibilities that he already had at the club, having been heavily involved already in its administration.

“It is a great honour and pleasure to act as the president of AEK,” Thanopoulos said. “I also have a great responsibility to the fans of AEK and its history.

“I am however, quite strong and ready to undertake my role, since I have the support of the shareholders and will proceed with my work along the lines of Mr. Notias’ comments.

“My day-to-day life won’t change.

“From now on, I want us to speak with actions and not words.”

Thanopoulos also insisted that he has developed through his work at the club “very good” relationship with current technical director Stelios Manolas and manager Dusan Bajevic.

A focus on the continuing success of the team on the pitch was a recurring theme in the aftermath of the club’s announcement, as Bajevic looks to restore a semblance of stability during a season that has seen AEK lead by three presidents already.

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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