Ivan Savvidis up close…
He has proved time and again that he is a man of his word and never stops fighting for his ideas. Ivan Savvidis conceded a lengthy interview to Toumba Magazine, speaking about the PAOK of his dreams.
The President of the “Double-Headed Eagle” speaks about the decision to forfeit the Greek Cup semi-final, his meeting with Vangelis Marinakis, the struggle against corruption in Greek football, the departure of Tudor, Arnesen and Angelidis. He also responds to his critics and shares his dreams for PAOK.
Here is a small extract from the interview, as it appears on issue 4 of PAOK FC official magazine:
After the first leg of the Greek Cup semi-final, on 2 March, much happened. Do you feel vindicated that FIFA and the Greek State went public with EPO’s corruption problem? They have thus obligated the Greek Federation to adopt self-cleansing measures. Haven’t you been advocating such moves for years now?
«I can’t say I feel vindicated. This is a start, a push was given, there is room for change. We are expecting real developments – legal proceedings by disciplinary committees and state courts against everyone involved in football scandals, bans against corrupted football people. We expect fair verdicts, in accordance with common sense and ethics. Only then we could say that our struggle is fruitful. Now, although everyone agrees that there has been a crime committed and despite knowing more or less who the criminals are, we are offering them the time and opportunity to flee from justice«.
What steps should be taken next?
«I can’t understand how it’s possible for those in charge of the most popular sport in the country and worldwide to let it lose its reputation and become a national shame… How can they sleep in good conscience when the Greek sport’s most prestigious product, the national team, is dying a slow death in their hands? How can they walk around when they are pointed at as members or heads of criminal gangs? Any self-respecting person being accused of such crimes, should be begging to go through trial as soon as possible in order to prove their innocence. There is complete apathy at the ranks of the Greek Federation. How should we construe that? As an admission of guilt? Everything that the State promised in collaboration with FIFA should be implemented before the start of the next league season. Otherwise, I see no reason for us to participate«.
Much has been said about your alliance with Mr. Melissanidis and Mr. Alafouzos. Can you describe your relationship with them?
«I don’t like the term “alliance”. I would rather use the term “agreement”. Not only with the afore-mentioned gentlemen, but with everyone who wishes to join forces in our struggle for a football of justice and equality. Mr. Melissanidis and Mr. Alafouzos have stated that they share my opinions on the existing problems. That doesn’t mean of course that we agree on all aspects or that we seized to be rivals on the pitch. If we acknowledge at some point that this agreement is no longer valid or that someone is trying to gain advantage for his own club, then it’s off. Our relationship is clear and independent. I will always collaborate with anyone agreeing with me on the principles of “clean football”«.
INFO
Toumba Magazine brings you to Toumba permanently. Win 10 season tickets of 2016-17 season, and 5 kits of PAOK’s 90th anniversary. In the fourth issue, you can find the second of three coupons that you need to collect in order to join the big draw. The first coupon can be found on the 3rd issue.
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