So we finally found someone willing to defend Evangelos Marinakis. The Nottingham Forest owner has received a strong defence from Rio Ave president Alexandrina Cruz, who has hit back at accusations about his transfer dealings in Portugal.
Her comments follow criticism from presidential candidate Avelino Fernandes, who accused Marinakis of putting his own interests ahead of the Portuguese club’s. He questioned why players had joined Olympiacos despite reportedly attracting higher offers elsewhere.
Cruz, who is standing for re-election, has a very different view of the Greek businessman. She says he’s deeply involved in Rio Ave’s development, visits more often than people realise and has invested beyond his contractual obligations.
And when it comes to those disputed transfers, she reckons her opponent doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Rio Ave president hits back at Marinakis criticism
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Cruz was asked about Fernandes’ criticism of André Luiz’s move to Olympiacos.
“It’s easy to talk about things you don’t know,” she replied.
“A deal involves three parties: the selling club, the buying club and the player himself. That criticism shows a lack of understanding of how the transfer market works.”
“A deal isn’t judged solely by the amounts involved, but also by a complex set of clauses that can go far beyond the initial offer.”
Fernandes had argued Rio Ave lost money by selling André Luiz and Clayton to Olympiacos for less than other clubs had offered.
In February, we covered comments attributed to the businessman in which he acknowledged rejecting offers worth more than €30m (£25.1m) for the two players.
The president was also asked specifically about Benfica’s reported interest in André Luiz and why a deal with the Lisbon club hadn’t happened.
“Nothing went wrong. A negotiation depends on the willingness of everyone involved, including the player’s preferences and the specifics of the offer.”
“The overall terms agreed for the transfer to Olympiacos were, taken together, the best offer.”
Cruz didn’t disclose those additional conditions, so there’s no detailed financial comparison between the proposals.
Still, her position is clear. She believes Rio Ave made the right decision, despite the criticism surrounding a transfer between two clubs under Marinakis’ control.
Marinakis visits more often than people think
The Rio Ave president also spoke at length about her relationship with the Nottingham Forest owner.
“It’s very positive, with great closeness and cooperation across the entire structure. It’s part of a dynamic that includes other clubs managed by the same group [Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest].”
“Evangelos Marinakis is someone very close to us and very concerned about Rio Ave. The word that best defines our relationship is closeness.”
She then revealed that the Greek businessman spends more time in Portugal than supporters might realise.
“I understand that only a few people may see him, but he’s there more often than is publicly known.”
“We also have regular meetings elsewhere, outside Vila do Conde [the club’s training centre], always dedicated to managing and planning Rio Ave’s future.”
Cruz pointed to the club’s infrastructure as evidence of his commitment.
“The arrival of the majority investor brought changes across the board, with a direct impact on Rio Ave’s facilities and assets,” she explained.
“We implemented a lot of things to improve the quality of the project. That shows how much the owner values it and how much he wants to be in Vila do Conde and alongside Rio Ave.”
Fair to say there’s quite a difference between what Cruz and Fernandes are saying about Marinakis. And with Rio Ave heading towards an election, the owner is finding that his decisions in Portugal are now becoming a central part of the campaign.
