Ivan Savvidis Aims to Acquire Full Ownership of FC Rostov

The owner of PAOK, Ivan Savvidis, is reportedly ready to acquire the majority stake in the Russian football club FC Rostov by April 2025, with an ultimate goal of owning 100% of the shares. According to a recent report by Russian journalist Ivan Karpov, Savvidis will initially take over 51% from the Rostov Region and then aim to secure the remaining 49% from current investor Artashes Arutyunyan. The report outlines future plans for the club under Savvidis’ leadership, including managerial changes and academy development. Karpov’s report indicates that the Rostov Region is preparing to transfer 51% of FC Rostov’s shares to Savvidis, leaving the remaining 49% with Arutyunyan, at least temporarily. This transaction is expected to occur within the next two weeks before the end of April. No managerial changes are anticipated until the season ends unless there is a significant decline in team performance. For the upcoming season, a new Russian coach is likely to be appointed, possibly Fiodotov. Additionally, the club’s management will predominantly consist of local personnel. Notably, Savvidis is known for making unilateral decisions, especially regarding transfers, as seen in his tenure at PAOK. Thus, coexistence with Arutyunyan seems unlikely. The takeover will also involve reshaping the board of directors, with a majority aligning with Savvidis. The financial terms of the deal and the fate of player assets tied to Arutyunyan remain unclear. Savvidis has ambitious plans for FC Rostov, targeting immediate success in the cup this year and securing a top-three league position in the next season, which will require substantial investment.