PAOK face hurdles in attempt to construct new Toumba

With the coronavirus pandemic creating plenty of uncertainty and the situation concerning the usage of the Kaftanzoglio Stadium, a difficult one, the planning of PAOK’s new Toumba has somewhat stalled.

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Initially, the PAOK management was hoping to begin the construction of the new Toumba Stadium this summer, but a few key factors have prevented that from happening. As it stands, the necessary permits required to start constructing the venue have not been issued by the state, and the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in the process stalling. Several bureaucratic issues are continuing to hold PAOK back with the Dikefalos tou Vorra becoming increasingly frustrated with the government’s lack of cooperation.

A big sticking point is the need for PAOK to use the Kaftanzoglio Stadium while the new Toumba Stadium is constructed on the exact same spot where the current arena stands. As a result of the spat with Olympiacos, PAOK are not in particularly good relations with Deputy Culture and Sport Minister, Lefteris Avgenakis, but they need to speak to the government in order to play at the Kaftanzoglio for two or three seasons. Instead, PAOK will need to engage in conversations with Minister of State, Giorgos Gerapetritis.  

The Kaftanzoglio Stadium holds a capacity of around 27,000. Updates to the arena are needed to bring it up to UEFA standards.

According to reports published by FORZA, PAOK are confident of sorting all legal matters out before the 2020/2021 campaign reaches its completion, which consequently means that building work on the stadium can eventually begin next summer. The same publication also noted that local authorities in Thessaloniki have been slow in forwarding the relevant documents to the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

To receive the building permit, the Ministry of Environment and Energy must inspect the site and hold talks with PAOK, but this is yet to happen. It must also be noted that the coronavirus crisis is likely to have a damaging, long-lasting financial impact on all Greek clubs. PAOK are owned by controversial Greek-Russian businessman Ivan Savvidis.

Image Source: makthes.gr

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