September 23 – Chaos has unravelled at Roma, one of Europe’s most iconic clubs, with the firing of a club hero, fan protests and now the resignation of the CEO.
No sooner had beloved former Roma captain Daniele de Rossi been dismissed last week after just four months in charge as head coach, than CEO and general manager Lina Souloukou resigned amid reports she played a major part in his surprise exit.
De Rossi, who spent nearly two decades at Roma as a player, took over in January after Jose Mourinho was fired. He was replaced by former Torino manager Ivan Juric, who led Roma to a 3-0 win over Udinese on Sunday but that didn’t prevent fans being outraged.
Supporters hurled abuse at the team from the stands while the entire Curva Sud section of the Olimpico, where the hardcore supporters stand, was empty for the first half hour of the match.
Fans unfurled a banner which accused the club’s American owners, the billionaire Friedkin family, of not respecting “our values or our legends”.
By the time fans started pouring into the Curva Sud, Roma were ahead but that didn’t stop loud chants of De Rossi’s name ringing around the stadium.
The anger at De Rossi’s dismissal has been so intense that Souloukou, who resigned on Saturday morning, had been placed under police protection after online threats made against her and family.
In a brief statement the club thanked Souloukou “for her dedicated service during a critical period for the club and wish her the best in her future endeavours.”
“The ownership remains fully committed to AS Roma’s growth and success, with continued focus on the values that make our club so special.”
Owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin have never spoken publicly in the four years since they purchased Roma from fellow American James Pallotta and have not explained why they fired De Rossi. Although Roma had failed to win any of their first four games of the season, his sacking was viewed as very premature.
“His dismissal left me stunned,” said former Roma coach Claudio Ranieri. “He was given a three-year contract so you think this project would take time to develop. Instead, sending him away after a few games surprised everyone. It’s unfortunate that there isn’t a football man in Roma who can act as a direct link between the club and the coach.”
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