Many Roma fans have become frustrated in recent years as the club's proposed plans to construct a new stadium have been hit with delay after delay. The issue has stretched across multiple different owners, and even the city of Rome has cycled through four different Mayors since the idea of a new Roma stadium was first mentioned.
The Friedkin family, current owners of the organisation, have come under heavy criticism for the saga, but Roma's CEO, Lina Souloukou, insists building a new stadium is a priority for the family.
Souloukou: new stadium ‘really important' for Friedkin family
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What did Lina Souloukou say?
The CEO of Roma was keen to offer public support of the Friedkin family, who have become very unpopular within the club's fanbase for their role in the saga that surrounds their non-existent new stadium.
Souloukou said: “The Friedkin family see themselves as custodians of an institution loved by the fans, and want to make it sustainable and stronger. It is much more than a business.”
Roma are working very closely with the municipality. It’s really important to have a stadium that is their home. How much Roma means in their everyday life is something you only feel when you live in this great city.”
She also called for the supporters to get behind the family so that unity can be restored at the club, stating that “They [the Friedkin family] are here to stay. They’re truly loyal to their commitment to the fans and they have always been very respectful of the history of the club.
“This is football. Once every week, or twice per week, you are in the spotlight but at the same time the only answer to that is to be united with the owners, your coach, players and fans.”
Why are Roma fans annoyed with the Friedkin family
Despite those assertive claims from the CEO, from an outsider's perspective, it appears as though Roma fans have every reason to feel aggrieved at the lack of progress made regarding the new stadium under current owner Dan Friedkin.
When he completed his takeover of the club in 2021, Friedkin reassured the Giallorossi that agreeing upon a deal with the bureaucracy that allowed the club to build their new home was a priority, But, almost three years on, supporters are yet to see any tangible progress in this area.
With tensions intensifying further after the owner made the unpopular decision to sack Jose Mourinho earlier this year, even more fans have now turned against the family. The only way for Friedkin to win back the trust of those supporters who currently doubt him is by taking proactive action towards constructing their new stadium.