POLICE Chief Iacovos Papacostas said last night investigations had been launched into alleged financial irregularities in Anorthosis football club, following complaints lodged by seven members of the board.
In the spotlight is Anorthosis president Andreas Panteli who, in a written statement said he was “disappointed and shocked” at the stance of certain of his colleagues and the rumours that were going around.
The seven board members, including the club’s financial director, spent the best part of yesterday afternoon and evening giving written statements to police in Larnaca.
“We can confirm at this stage that we have complaints by a group from the governing board…I think seven people …who have made some allegations against the chairman of Anorthosis. We are investigating these allegations,” Papacostas said.
He said CID headquarters was investigating because it had more experience with financial crimes of this magnitude. He also spoke of about the public shock at the allegations. Anorthosis fans last night took to the streets of Larnaca to demonstrate over the issue.
“CID will approach this case cautiously and no one will be victimized. At the same time there will be no cover-up,” Papacostas said.
State television reported that the irregularities involved the alleged theft of €500,000 and another €1 million in cheques.
Panteli said in his written statement that in the five years he was at the club, there had never been an issue over the financial management.
The accounts and audits were submitted to the General Assembly at the end of each year, and everyone was aware of their contents, he said.
Panteli added that the dire financial situation Anorthosis was in when he took over was well-known to everyone, as is the much-better situation the club is in today due to its recent successes.
“There were never any financial discrepancies,” the statement said. “Any actions were made in the full awareness of the Board of Directors, and were always done with the best interests of the club at heart.”
Team coach Temuri Ketsbaia said he would stand by Panteli’s side, because he was well aware of what Panteli has given to the Famagusta team.
