Its president and major shareholder gave a full interview to ERT KAE AEK, Makis Angelopoulostaking stock of the past year, as well as his presence at the team since taking over.
At the same time, he revealed when AEK entered his life, his relationship with him Dimitris Melissanidiswhile also making a comment about the arbitration.
In detail what he said to “The Game”:
“2024 is leaving with positive feelings. We have solved many of the problems that have plagued us since the Covid era. We have an appetite to implement things in the surrounding area of the stadium. We are starting 2025 with an appetite».
About when AEK entered his life: “When I was 6 years old, I was at a football match, which was between AEK and Proodeftii and it ended 6-0. Since then, AEK has been deeply rooted in my heart. The first contact was with the football club AEK. I started with football, just as the base of the club is football. To tell the truth, I was a football player. I got to know the wonderful world of basketball. My initial participation had an expiration date, Knowing the world of basketball I saw that there is an AEK that I did not know. He has brought international titles and trophies. I’m not hiding from you that I caught the germ. I started from the roof. 11 to 5 we were there outside the cover. We were overwhelmed by the chants and chants before the game started. An AEK life».
For the decade as a major shareholder of KAE AEK: “Success or failure is a function of the goals you have set and the conditions you will operate in. The goal I had set as management was the return of AEK to the titles. At the same time, we wanted to remind you who AEK is. We made a movie. We worked to let the world know about AEK. The pillars were for people to learn the history and at the same time the field. We achieved our goals and it is a positive sign, given the conditions we had. We found ourselves in a regime of capital controls which was difficult, then there was a lull and then in 2020 came the lockdown. We are now maintaining the stadium at our own expense without any help».
For the best moment: “The best moment was the Cup title against Olympiakos. It was the return of AEK to the titles. It was an important moment. For the last 20-25 years we live in a Euroleague regime and only AEK has managed to claim and win titles».
For the most negative: “I have no negative feelings from AEK. It was difficult during the Covid era. We had millions invested in the indoor stadium».
For the movie “1968”: “It was a dream and a pursuit and it was important to our story. The response was great. The film won 13 titles and was honored by the Harvard Theater School. For AEK, to have distinctions worldwide was something impressive».
On what it means that AEK is an end in itself: “AEK is not a medium, but a station. That’s why we call a life AEK and only AEK. Entrepreneurship in sports is special. It is an activity that does not guarantee either the result or the quality. There is a conflict of entrepreneurship with emotion. Luckily for me, emotion always prevails. The investment in AEK is emotional. Obviously maybe I should look at it more professionally, but as many times as I’ve found myself at this crossroads, emotion has trumped entrepreneurship».
Regarding the relationship with Melissanidis: “The football team is the pillar of the AEK association and it is the base of our football fans. We have to take the good examples of football. The field is his greatest achievement».
For the status of parity in the league: “In recent years we have had 2 teams participating in a private event with revenue of tens of millions. They come and compete with the rest while they cannot participate in it. Regardless of where the teams finish, places are guaranteed. European places should be a bonus for league places. The production value is decreasing and I don’t see new investors in the space. I have also given my life for AEK. In the 10 years I’ve been around I’ve seen teams disappear off the map».
For the seat penalty: “As far as the European games are concerned, it was our fault. We have discussed it, we have resolved it. In Greece the new law is a bit unfair because teams are punished for flea jumping. Last year we were punished with the game against Prometheus in Patras and I spoke to presidents from abroad and asked what we should do to avoid being punished. We did what we were told. The Police circumvented the Minister’s decision. The police circumvented the ID law and there was a sacking of fans and whatever happened. There were 3 illegal actions by the Police and AEK was punished with 2 matches».
For the arbitration: “Professional arbitration is required. When we have professional athletes, we cannot have amateur referees. EEC should focus on the development of basketball. The teams do not participate in voting for the EEC president and we have the oxymoron of the Federation appointing, observing and rating the referees. The controller and the controlled cannot be the same. The teams pay for the arbitration. Everyone should be in favor of professional arbitration to take the burden off the EEC».
For investing in Sunel Arena: “About 4 million euros have been invested. The goal is to create a new destination in Attica. What we want to create is something unique worldwide. This as an idea and concept will be unique. I have the same appetite and energy. We went back 3 years due to Covid. By the end of 2025 we will have completed the entire investment plan and I will slowly want to give shares to those who supported the team. I have a different plan for the next day».
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
