The Bulgarian presence in Aris (Thessaloniki) ends even before the start of the Volley League season. Todor Valchev and Dimitar Dimitrov are parting ways with the club amidst a serious financial and management crisis, VolleyWeek learned.
The receiver and Bulgarian international were brought in during the summer as part of the selection for the Thessaloniki team's return to the Greek elite. Valchev will return to Bulgaria, but does not yet know where he will play.
After winning promotion, Aris began ambitious preparations, but subsequently, the plans fell apart. Some of the volleyball players left, some of the agreed-upon recruits did not arrive, and at one point only 7-8 athletes participated in training.
The expected resolution on October 5 also did not come. The last candidate to take over the volleyball team withdrew, after Giannis Varvoutsas did the same earlier. The president of AS Aris, Simos Aivazidis, admitted that he cannot secure the necessary funds alone and is looking for a partner. Assistance from the football and basketball structures is also being discussed.
The changes also affected the coaching position. The cooperation with Giannis Haritonidis has been definitively terminated, and Giannis Melkas is named as his probable successor.
The next extraordinary General Assembly is scheduled for October 12. Just 13 days later, Aris must begin its participation in the Volley League with a match against Floisvos.