Piterman takes control of Alaves

Ukrainian-born American businessman Dmitry Piterman announced that he had bought a majority shareholding in the second division club. Piterman, who was president of Primera Liga side Racing Santander for six months last year, bought 51 percent of the club's shares from Alaves president Gonzalo Anton who has been in control of the Basque side for 15 years. Anton decided to sell the majority of his holding to Piterman after an attempt to offer shares to the club's fans failed to arouse sufficient interest. Piterman, a former track and field athlete, is expected to take over the presidency of the club and bring in Coach Chuchi Cos, who worked with him at Racing. The 41-year-old businessman hit the headlines at the start of last year when he bought a 24.6 percent stake in Racing, taking a hands-on role by running training sessions and sitting in the dug-out during matches. He was forced to relinquish his position in July last year after being outmaneuvered by the club's other leading shareholder Santiago Diaz, but has made no secret of his desire to renew his involvement in the sport.