Sabitlenmiş Tweet
Mike Pieri
20K posts
Mike Pieri
@delpieri
Musings of a football connoisseur. MUFC | Omonoia | Bears. Teach economics. Book reader. Listen to hip-hop. Former football coach. Now referee. Love souvla.
classroom or football pitch Katılım Ocak 2010
2.7K Takip Edilen1.8K Takipçiler
Just opened the door and received this from the delivery man. Just asked who got me this and the answer from my Mrs was your Mum 🇾🇪
English
@delpieri The answer is @FlaresKafes worst nightmare
English
APOEL president Charis Fotiou held his first major press conference today:
Opening statement:
“This is the first time I am addressing the team’s supporters, who I am certain are expecting to hear, with honesty, the decisions and actions that will take us in the right direction. The goal is to return APOEL to competing for titles. To achieve this, discipline is required - a key word on which we have built our course over the past month and a half.The presence of the Club, the Veterans, and the supporters’ association shows that a united APOEL is never defeated. We must build together, collectively, and face the harsh reality head-on, which we must explain to the fans.I declare that I will remain focused on the goal - collective, people-driven, dynamic, calm, and guided by my love for APOEL. I am fully aware of the difficulties and feel the weight of responsibility. That is why we have rules of operation. My philosophy is discipline, and only with an investor can we endure.With unity, discipline, and consistency, we will bring APOEL back to where it belongs. We cannot do this alone - embrace our effort and together we will succeed. As a Board, we are not the financial solution, but the representation of every APOEL supporter.”
On the advisory committee:
“I am pleased to announce an advisory committee that will give confidence to the fans that what I say will be implemented with discipline within a financial framework. The committee consists of four respected individuals with significant professional achievements: Konstantinos Petrides, Angelos Grigoriadis, Nikos Sirinis, and Georgia Panagiotou.”
On player renewals:
“I announce the renewal of our cooperation with Stelios Vrondis, Giannakou, and Poursaitidis, as well as a contract adjustment for Kattirtzis. We are on a good path with Stavros Georgiou, and there is willingness - it is only a matter of time before Koutsakos also extends. Others will follow.”
On the General Assembly:
“The board is working on a financial plan, should we need to proceed after the General Assembly. We are an elected board, but not a permanent one. I inform you that in the first week of May the General Assembly will take place, where we will present our report, financial matters, proposals, and the issue of a potential investor. Our aim is not to cling to positions.”
Key decisions:
“Negotiations for players will only take place with those already under contract or out on loan, provided there are funds for renewals.If we qualify for Europe, only 20% of the income will be reinvested into the squad - the rest will go towards previous debts.There will be a restructuring of the football department to fill existing gaps. We will also strengthen administrative staff to develop marketing, better serve supporters, grow the brand, and increase revenue.”
On the centenary:
“The company’s board, together with the club, has decided on the first events for the 100-year anniversary. We are adopting a volunteer system, and roles will be announced for fans who want to be part of this historic moment.”
On the financial platform:
“We need more than €5.5 million until the end of the season. For this reason, a digital platform is being launched today at 5pm to allow fans to contribute financially. The message is clear: we cannot do this alone - only together. Further financial initiatives will be announced.”
Message to the fans:
“I will visit all districts with the board to listen to fans’ views and suggestions. I ask for patience - listen to me. There is no single person who can save APOEL, only one path: unity and collective effort.From yesterday, take this: today I publicly apologise to anyone I may have wronged or hurt. With you, I am strong. Support this effort - and when we reach the next day, then come and judge me. For now, APOEL comes first.”
On the trust and shares:
“A trust will be created, and I will transfer all my shares except 100, which I will keep symbolically for my family. This represents 20% of the share capital, making APOEL effectively the main shareholder - meaning the club belongs to the people. The advisory committee will manage the trust.”
On past promises and total debt:
“I have not hidden. I have apologised for my mistakes and made it clear this is not the time to focus on the past.The debt stands at €39 million, following adjustments. There is also a liquidity gap of €5.5 million for the current season.”
On debt and finding an investor:
“At this moment, there is no concrete interest from any investor. We have begun drafting the terms to attract one. If something arises before the General Assembly, it will be presented.”
On financial support:
“I first wanted moral support. Together, we will approach every APOEL supporter, including those with greater financial means. Up to now, there has been no financial support.”
On Prodromos Petrides:
“He spent 18–19 years in football and contributed significantly. No one can question that. I stood by him for 13 years and have acknowledged my own responsibilities. I am now president and take full responsibility moving forward.”
On Nikos Kougialis’ absence:
“He is absent for professional reasons in Athens. His absence will not be misunderstood.”
On squad management:
“We are in daily communication with everyone, but we will not negotiate with players outside our current squad.We will remain disciplined financially. The goal is to stabilise the debt and gradually improve the situation. Any spending will be backed by clear funding.”
On missing out on Europe:
“There are ways to reduce debt regardless. For next season, the total financial requirement is around €15 million, including this season’s €5.5 million.”
On legal cases and UEFA criteria:
“We currently have 14 foreign players. We will not increase any contract financially. Reducing foreign players may help reduce debt.
There are 55 different settlements in place and some pending legal cases. I cannot promise there will be no new claims, but we will reduce the risk. Based on experience, we do not expect issues with UEFA criteria.”
On Fernando Almeida:
“He was introduced as CEO, but cannot officially hold that role. He is currently assisting in a transitional capacity. He helped in cases such as Corbu and Abagna.
We want to continue working with him, potentially as Director of Football. Our goal is to appoint a Director of Football, a Technical Director, and build a scouting department. We want APOEL to become a club that develops and sells players again.”
On negotiations with foreign players:
“We have not approached any new foreign players. We will only negotiate with those already in the squad.”
On his shares:
“I will not sell my shares. The trust will prioritise season ticket holders, who will have the opportunity to gain majority participation. The process has already been assigned to lawyers.”
On Pablo García:
“We speak daily with mutual respect. We value his presence and he will be the first we speak to about continuing as head coach next season, if he wishes.”
English
@ThisIsMappa €39 million is huge and a big issue. But the need for €5.5 million for the current season means what? If they can't raise it, then what? I'm not familiar with football business practices in Cyprus. Or sporting / legal consequences. Is bankruptcy / liquidation a possibility?
English
Here's the official announcement of the Financial Aid Campaign:
"The wider APOEL family is coming together at a critical moment, launching a dynamic financial support campaign aimed at stabilising and supporting the entire structure of the club. This is a collective effort built on the strength of the fans as a whole, but also on each individual contribution.
Under the slogan “APOEL is YOU, for the present and the future,” supporters are called to actively participate in what is being presented as the biggest effort to support the idea embodied by the five letters of the club’s name.
This campaign is not just a financial initiative, but an act of unity and responsibility. All APOEL bodies are backing the effort - the Club, the Veterans who honoured the shirt, and the organised supporters’ group - showing full support and belief in the shared vision.
The funds raised will be subject to strict control and transparency through defined procedures, ensuring every contribution is used in the best possible way. They will then be directed towards covering APOEL’s financial obligations, based on existing priorities and immediate needs.
Today, more than ever, APOEL needs everyone’s support. Every contribution, big or small, is an important step towards stabilising and strengthening the club. This is the moment to prove that APOEL’s true power lies in its people. Together, we can secure the present and build a more stable and optimistic future for our team. APOEL belongs to you.
How to contribute:
Go to the club’s ticketing system: tickets.apoelfc.com.cy/donations
Click on “CONTRIBUTION”
Select the amount (there is also an “Other amount” option, with a minimum of €10)
Fill in the required details and, if you wish, choose to make an anonymous donation
Complete your contribution via JCC"
English
Sometimes, 'stating the bleeding obvious' is what is needed. @matthewsyed article resonates deeply. I would go further. Not just in this area parents have abdicated their responsibility. The traditional social contract between schools & home is broken.
thetimes.com/comment/column…
English
Today, 25th March, is a day of remembrance and celebration for all Greeks and Hellenism.
Greek Independence Day.
The flag on the pic bears the words "...better to be free for an hour than be a slave and imprisoned for forty years..."
#GreekIndependenceDay
English
@nqatpod Would take Gray and Bergvall. Two promising young midfielders.
English
Anyone we'd like in the inevitable Spurs fire sale after they go down?
English
@delpieri @FootballInT80s That's a great selection! Plus Negrete, of course ⚽️
English
OUT IN APRIL! "The Heroes of Mexico 86", featuring full profiles of every player at football's most iconic World Cup.
Here's an old friend revealing the cover!
English
Whenever I see Sanchez make a mistake that leads to a goal, I log on here for @Wis100_ reaction. 😂😂😂
English
Mike Pieri retweetledi
giveaway 🍀😎i have 2 mini bests prints left i'll give one away -simply RT pick a winner tomorrow 🍀
English
While the obvious need for United is a couple of central midfielders, team also DESPERATE for two fullbacks. #mufc
English
@timpav7 Never got into it. Don't get it. At uni I was asked to go and and train with the uni team - "can you play hooker?" To this day I still don't even know what that means 😂😂😂
English
@sid_lambert Feliz Aniversário to my football idol growing up @Galinho1953 Happy 73rd Birthday to a legend.
Pics are two my favourite pieces of signed memorabilia and a copy of World Soccer.
Also, a treat for @Flamengo_en fans - a Zico goal with English commentary!
@JuniorCoimbra77
English
It’s Zico’s birthday today. So here he is being absolutely unreal during his twilight years in Kashima.
You never lose it.
English
@WayneSBarton They'll easily break this record.
Winning the league with corners. Such a poor league. Standards on the floor.
End of season DVD will be compelling viewing 😂😂😂
English
Think if I was a manager I’d just tell all of my team to fall on the ground as soon as the ball’s in play from an Arsenal corner. If refs won’t check all the challenges for goals they won’t check them for fouls either. It’s so horrible to watch.
English