AEK player refuses to bow to boss’s orders
The gap separating AEK’s star midfielder Vassilis Tsartas from his team’s boss over money owed to the player by the club is widening with little chance of a settlement. Yesterday, after consulting his lawyers, Tsartas ignored a written order by the team strongman, Makis Psomiadis, which demanded that the player train alone in early-morning sessions, without his teammates, as punishment for his walkout. Tsartas recently withdrew from his team’s ranks after AEK officials informed him that the club would not be able to honor his contract. At present, the player’s outstanding fees are reportedly worth some 1.25 million euros. Most players have reached compromise solutions, but Tsartas will not budge. Team coach Dusan Bajevic has remarked that his «hands are tied» as far as Tsartas is concerned. Psomiadis, the club’s majority shareholder, does not hold an official post due to previous legal convictions, but his will is not challenged by any of his men, least of all his 19-year-old son Harilaos, the official club chairman.
