PAOK fans occupy stadium to protest sale of star player Konstantelias to Dortmund

Published Aug 17, 06:45 PM UTC

PAOK Thessaloniki fans have occupied the club's stadium and offices in protest of the sale of star player Giannis Konstantelias to Borussia Dortmund. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder, considered one of Greece's greatest talents, was sold for a deal potentially worth over €30 million. The protests, led by the ultra group 'Gate 4', mark the second time in a year that fan outrage has erupted over a potential transfer of Konstantelias; a move to Stuttgart collapsed in July 2025 due to similar backlash. The situation threatens to escalate an ownership dispute involving Russian-born billionaire Ivan Savvidis, who has a history of confrontational behavior, including a 2018 incident where he brandished a holstered revolver on the pitch. Konstantelias, a homegrown academy product and Greek Player of the Year, has stated the move was his decision.