Atlantis rescued and renamed
Friday, March 8, 2002
Article summary
Finnish Cup holders FC Atlantis have been saved - but will become known as AC Vantaan Allianssi.
Article body
The rescue of Finnish first division side FC Atlantis has finally been confirmed after weeks of negotiations.
New name
However, the name of Atlantis will disappear, with the Vantaa-based club to compete as AC Vantaan Allianssi, their final honour under their previous title being the 2001 Finnish Cup.
Rescue package
Atlantis had their licence removed by Finland's football authorities due to heavy debts, and were relying on a rescue package put together by Finnforest Ltd, who already owned ten per cent of the club's shares, the city of Vantaa, and Finnish construction firm SRV to survive.
Ready to begin season
The takeover has now proved successful, and the club will again be licensed to play in the Veikkausliiga, when the 2002 season begins.
Plan to develop youth organisation
Third division outfit AC Vantaa will function as Alliassi's feeder side, and the renamed team are keen to develop the city's best junior training organisation.
Coach and players confirmed
Ari Tiittanen, the incumbent Atlantis coach, will take charge of the new club, and has 24 players under contract.
'This will be a hot ticket'
"The whole of last season's squad is together including the kit managers," confirmed Tiittanen. "I believe that this will be a hot ticket. Now we cannot complain anymore that the conditions are bad. I also want to personally thank the club for the confidence in us."
