Roma CEO Submits Her Resignation
Greek Lina Souloukou has submitted her resignation as CEO of Roma, just three days after the unexpected dismissal of Italian Daniele De Rossi as head coach, which angered a large part of the Romanista fanbase.
"Roma announces the resignation of CEO Lina Souloukou. We thank Lina for her dedication during an especially critical phase for the club and wish her all the best in her future professional challenges," the club stated in an official release.
De Rossi's dismissal shocked much of the "giallorossa" fanbase, who blamed the CEO for the decision. In fact, it was reported in Italy this past Saturday that the now-former CEO of the Roman club had been placed under "protective measures" due to the tensions created, as well as the threats and insults she had received since Thursday, the day of the Roman legend's dismissal.
Souloukou, a mother of two young children, was the reason why security measures had been increased in recent hours, given the rise in threats. She was previously a member of the board of the European Club Association (ECA) and general director of Olympiacos before joining Roma.
This Sunday, Roma introduces their new head coach, Croatian Ivan Juric, who is seeking the "Loba’s" first victory of the season. They will face an Udinese side that remains undefeated and, like last matchday, could take the lead with a win.
The match will be held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where monumental criticism of the board is expected following De Rossi's dismissal. In fact, the most radical faction of the fanbase won’t be present during the first thirty minutes of the match and has called on the rest of the fans to follow suit.
However, neither the club's owners, the American Friedkin family — who have already returned to the U.S. after the De Rossi incident — nor Souloukou, who was set to be the main target of criticism at the stadium, will be in attendance.
Roma will face Athletic Club of Bilbao this Thursday at the same venue in the first matchday of the revamped Europa League.