The investment process is still ongoing, said Nektarios Petevinos, describing it as complex and time-consuming, but he emphasized that all parties share a common intention to reach a positive outcome, with the goal of ensuring the club’s long-term sustainability. At the same time, he noted that the Cyprus Football Association’s (CFA) response regarding the new company is part of the ongoing process, while clarifying that there are no disagreements within the administration regarding the agreement with Savvas Liasis.
On the financial front, he highlighted the significant support from the fans, noting that the approximately 2 million euros raised are a great help, while revealing that the additional 1 million euros will come primarily from existing shareholders who will acquire Class A shares. At the same time, he described Konstantinos Petridis as a very worthy choice to represent APOEL at the Cyprus Football Association (CFA).
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Regarding the team’s performance, he emphasized that Papadopoulos and Vryzas understand the roster’s needs and asked for patience regarding the transfer market. He also reported that Pieros has begun running and is expected to return by the end of October, Sastre will arrive this weekend, and the team will travel to the Netherlands on July 25 for the main phase of its preseason training, where three friendly matches are scheduled.
Here are his comments to SPOR FM in detail:
Regarding the investment: “We are in the midst of a process that is complex and time-consuming, and there are various factors involved in these discussions which, whether we like it or not, take time to resolve. The intention to reach a positive outcome on all sides, as well as the shared understanding that we share the same goal and the same intention. I think that’s what’s important. We said that we’re entering a process, and when such a process begins, you can’t know in advance how much time each aspect will require. When you approach something with seriousness and proper data analysis, time is the only adversary, not intention. That is also the position of the investment fund. As the investment firm mentioned yesterday, if you look closely at their positions, you’ll see that they address both financial and legal issues. Furthermore, it was emphasized that this is a company that examines everything in great detail. And the goal—this is extremely important and something we’ve said from the very beginning—is APOEL’s long-term sustainability. Let me remind you of a discussion we had quite some time ago. I told you that in soccer, we often think that life lasts only a week. In other words, in soccer, we’re concerned with what you did in the last game and what you’ll do in the next one. But we need to realize that an investor who comes into a team—or even a management team when planning its competitive strategy—doesn’t plan for just one week. They plan with a long-term perspective. That is the goal. When an investor comes to take over a team with a 40-year horizon, the approach is completely different. The complexity has to do with what I’ve pointed out, as I’ve said, many times. Namely, that APOEL, the investment group, and the club are currently focused on a solution that concerns the entire organization and, above all, the broader framework of cooperation. This is precisely what creates the complexity and uniqueness of the process, as I have explained to you, compared to other investment deals that have taken place with other soccer clubs in Cyprus. In other words, there is a way for anyone who wishes to participate to do so even during this period, within a specific and clear framework.”
Regarding the CFF’s response to the new company: “This information has been published in recent days. The CFF’s response was issued several days ago. This is an ongoing process. The process with the CFF isn’t over. The federation has set the direction. It’s an agreement involving many factors. There is good will; if it were between Savvas Liasis and APOEL, they would shake hands in seconds.”
On the financial aspect: “This is the difficulty we report on every Friday. The two million raised from the public recently has been a significant help, and it’s a commitment made with Haris Fotiou.”
Regarding the one million in the coffers: “The individuals who will contribute the 1 million are mostly existing shareholders, and they want to acquire Class A shares.”
On the selection of Konstantinos Petridis as a representative to the Cyprus Football Association (CFA): “It was a decision made by APOEL’s Board of Directors; as for whether Savvas Liasis agrees, I think he has answered that himself. He is a very capable person to represent APOEL.”
On whether there are members of the administration who oppose the agreement with Savvas Liasis: “Haris Fotiou was the one who initiated the discussion; a framework agreement has already been signed. There is no one who opposes the agreement.”
On the team’s performance: “Papadopoulos and Vryzas know exactly what the roster needs; we need patience in the transfer market.”
On Pieros’s condition: “He’s started running; by the end of October, he’ll be training normally with the team.”
On Sastre: “Sastre will arrive this weekend.”
On preseason training: “On the 25th of this month, the team will depart for the Netherlands and will remain there until August 3. Efforts are being made to arrange three friendly matches.”
