The uncertainty surrounding the future of the Aris (Thessaloniki) volleyball team, where Bulgarians Todor Valchev and Dimitar Dimitrov play, continues, and the problems are already leading to changes in the sports and technical aspects. On October 5, a solution to the financial and management crisis was expected, but it did not happen. The president of AS Aris, Simos Aivazidis, announced that the last candidate who showed interest in taking over the team had withdrawn. Before him, Giannis Varvoutas also withdrew. Aivazidis admitted that he cannot secure the necessary funds alone and is looking for a partner, and help will also be sought from the football and basketball structures of Aris.
Just a few months ago, the situation looked completely different. After winning promotion, the Thessaloniki team began recruiting for their return to the Volley League and attracted outside hitter Todor Valchev and national player Dimitar Dimitrov. However, financial difficulties disrupted the preparation - some of the volleyball players left, some of the agreed-upon reinforcements did not arrive, and at one point, only 7-8 athletes participated in training.
Now the changes directly affect the Bulgarian presence. According to Volleynews, Todor Valchev is expected to leave Aris, and the club is already planning to replace him with another outside hitter. The separation has not yet been officially announced, and there is no information on where the 35-year-old Bulgarian will continue his career.
For Dimitar Dimitrov, there is no such information for now, and the national player remains part of the squad.
However, the tenure of head coach Giannis Charitonidis has definitively ended. The main candidate to succeed him is Giannis Melkas, well-known at Aris and ready to help the team in this difficult moment. His appointment has not yet been officially announced.
The new extraordinary General Assembly is scheduled for October 12. Just 13 days later, Aris must play its first match after returning to the Volley League - against Floisvos on October 25.