Loukas Barlos (Greek: Λουκάς Μπάρλος; 1920 – 20 October 1999) was a Greek businessman who served as the twenty third president of AEK Athens F.C. from 1974 until 1981.
Early life
Barlos was born and raised in Thessaloniki, but his place of origin was Distomo in Boeotia. As a youngster, he was a supporter of Aris and even tried out with the club. He was the owner of bauxite factories and other mining enterprises. In 1955, he married Noni Vasiliadou and later they had 2 children, Thanasis and Lucy.[1]
President of AEK Athens
In March 1974, after the resignation of the then president Ioannis Theodorakopoulos from the previous December, he became democratically elected as the new president of AEK Athens with 58%. The team had won the championship since 1971 and were struggling, with many of their former stars were either retiring or leaving for other clubs.
"I do not want to take from AEK, I just wanted to give. I am not an investor and I probably do not have a place in modern football. I thank God for the moments He gave me at AEK. This club is the most important thing I've had in my life"
Statements of Loukas Barlos on leaving AEK in 1981
In addition to the team's competitive renaissance, Barlos also became their benefactor in matters of facilities, since during his days the club's indoor basketball court and the two-story "covered" stands of the Nea Filadelfeia Stadium were founded. He did not hesitate to mortgage his property and his house to help the club financially.
On 9 June 1981, his dire financial situation that came from his involvement with the club, but also due to his inability to follow the new model of professional football, fearing alienation through the professionalism that was entering into the field of football, Barlos resigned from the presidency of AEK.[3] Despite his departure, he remained close to the club.
Death
Barlos died of lung cancer on 20 October 1999. He is buried in his place of origin, Distomo.[4]
