Roma CEO forced to resign after facing threats for sacking Mourinho's successor De Rossi

Ex-Roma head coach Daniele De Rossi | Imago

Roma CEO forced to resign after facing threats for sacking Mourinho's successor De Rossi

Ayoola Kelechi 12:36 - 22.09.2024

After dismissing Daniele De Rossi as AS Roma manager, the club's CEO faced threats to her life and family

Italian club AS Roma is in turmoil as CEO Lina Souloukou has stepped down following threats over the controversial dismissal of Daniele De Rossi.

The club released an official statement confirming her resignation as the chaos that has engulfed the club in recent months continues to rage on.

Souloukou’s resignation linked to De Rossi’s dismissal

In an official statement, Roma announced the resignation of Lina Souloukou, who had served as CEO since April 2023.

Former Roma CEO Lina Souloukou | Imago
Former Roma CEO Lina Souloukou | Imago Former Roma CEO Lina Souloukou | Imago

The club expressed gratitude for her contributions during a critical period, saying, “AS Roma announces today that CEO Lina Souloukou has stepped down from her role.

“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 celebrating AS Roma Women's Serie A title with the Mayor of Rome | Imago
Lina Souloukou celebrating AS Roma Women's Serie A title with the Mayor of Rome | Imago Lina Souloukou celebrating AS Roma Women's Serie A title with the Mayor of Rome | Imago

“The ownership remains fully committed to AS Roma’s growth and success, with continued focus on the values that make our club so special.”

According to La Repubblica, Souloukou faced backlash from fans, particularly ultras, who were outraged by the decision to let go of Roma legend De Rossi, who was brought in as a successor to former coach Jose Mourinho.

Souloukou faces threats over De Rossi sacking

Despite De Rossi’s recent contract extension, he was abruptly dismissed after Roma’s winless start to the 2024/25 season, sparking an outcry among the fans, with many blaming Souloukou for the decision.

Daniele De Rossi and Gianluca Mancini celebrate a Roma win | Imago

The backlash from De Rossi’s dismissal led to heightened tensions within the Roma camp, and reports from the Italian news cycle indicate that fans' anger escalated to the point where Souloukou and her family were placed under police protection as a precaution due to the severity of the threats.

Following De Rossi’s exit, Croatian manager Ivan Juric was quickly named as his replacement, with a short-term contract running until the end of the season.

Roma's new manager Ivan Juric || Imago

However, Juric’s future remains uncertain, especially with the fans’ reaction to De Rossi’s dismissal and the exit of CEO Souloukou.

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