Kintis: We Want Melissanidis At AEK

By: Chris Paraskevas | January 13th, 2009

In cooperation with Goal.com:

AEK Athens president Giorgios Kintis has welcomed investment into the club by Greek businessman and former club leader Dimitris Melissanidis.

Kintis’ message immediately follows a decision to raise €15 million of share capital with a part-sale of the club by the 23rd of January.

Reports in Greece suggested that the move has paved the way for former president Melissanidis (pictured) to take a majority stake in the club and in an interview with radio station Arrena-a 89.2, the current president claimed the relationship between the two parties was a healthy one.

Melissanidis “Not Interested”

However, it appears as though Melissanidis – who was linked with a similar move for the club during the reign of former president Demis Nikolaidis during the summer – is not currently interested in investing in the debt-laden Greek giants.

“The relationship between the shareholders – and myself – and Melissanidis is very good,” Kintis said.

“He had previously offered to help AEK but received no response.

“In the summer he expressed his interest but it didn’t lead anywhere.

“If I was in his position, I’m not sure if I would have continued with my interest in the club.

“I’ve spoken to him and he says he isn’t interested.”

Kintis Keen

Despite the apparent lack of interest from Melissanidis, Kintis is keen to get the fuel and shipping businessman involved with the club again: “Of course we want Melissanidis at AEK – why wouldn’t we?”

Investment in the club could potentially come from any other interested parties however, whether they be majority or minority stakes.

The current administration have stated that they will consider all expressions of interest leading up to the 23rd of January, as the club looks for a way to tackle its continued debts and what Kintis believes will be running costs of up to €20 million this year alone.

Galvanizing Effect

If Melissanidis were to claim a majority stake in the club, it could have a similar effect as the part-sale of Panathinaikos during the summer, which resulted in a substantial increase in the club’s share capital and subsequent spending power on the transfer market.

Kintis is hoping for a similar effect: “The current economic situation is clear.

“We can’t wait at the airport for transfer to arrive in the current environment – it is unthinkable.

“I will try to help wherever possible; the fans shouldn’t be too demanding.”