AS Roma CEO Lina Souloukou has resigned with immediate effect, marking a significant shift in the club’s leadership amidst turmoil among its supporters. The announcement came on Sunday, shortly after the club’s controversial decision to part ways with coach and club legend Daniele De Rossi, a move that has ignited passionate outrage among the team’s fans.
“AS Roma announces today that CEO Lina Souloukou has stepped down from her role,” said Roma in a short statement.
“We thank Lina for her dedicated service during a critical period for the club and wish her the best in her future endeavours.”
Lina Souloukou, who previously held the position of CEO at Olympiacos, had only been with Roma for just over a year. Her departure follows an escalating wave of discontent among the fanbase, largely fueled by De Rossi’s unexpected firing. The club issued a brief statement confirming her resignation, expressing gratitude for her contributions during what they described as a “critical period” for the club and wishing her success in her future endeavors.
Throughout her tenure, Souloukou faced mounting pressure, particularly after De Rossi’s dismissal, which many viewed as unfair given his iconic status at Roma. The decision to sack him was reportedly influenced by his struggles early in the season and tensions with the club’s management. This led to widespread fan protests, with demonstrators characterized her as the embodiment of the club’s issues, which escalated to the point where her family received police protection due to threats made against them.
De Rossi, a cherished figure among Roma fans, embodies the spirit of the club. His departure was not just a loss of a coach but felt like a betrayal to many supporters who saw him as a local hero and World Cup champion. The backlash intensified after the quick appointment of Ivan Juric as his successor—one perceived by some as a lackluster choice, considering Juric’s previous tenure with lesser-known teams in Serie A.
Ivan Juric’s contract runs until June 2025, and he is faced with the monumental task of steering the club back on course as they prepare for their upcoming match against Udinese. Certain factions of the hardcore Roma supporters plan to stage a protest during this match by leaving their seats empty for the first 30 minutes, symbolizing their dissatisfaction with the club’s direction.
Currently, AS Roma struggles at the bottom of the Serie A table, positioned at 17th place, just above Bologna and perilously close to the relegation zone. They have yet to secure a victory this season, further compounding the frustration felt by supporters and calling into question the club’s management and strategic decisions moving forward.
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