The Greek basketball championship narrowly averted a crisis after a series of intense negotiations and last-minute interventions. Following a tumultuous week filled with heated exchanges and legal disputes between the owners of Panathinaikos and Olympiakos, a critical meeting led by Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis resulted in a resolution late Wednesday. The finals are set to resume Friday with Game 3 at OAKA.
Conflict escalated dramatically amid public altercations and mutual lawsuits among club representatives, highlighted by the brief arrest of Olympiakos VP George Skindilias, stemming from a complaint by Dimitris Giannakopoulos’s daughter, which Skindilias countered with his own legal action. Tensions peaked when Giannakopoulos, wanted for questioning, voluntarily presented himself at a police station and was released in time to participate in the ministerial discussion.
Vroutsis’ strategy of conducting separate meetings proved crucial. Giannakopoulos emerged first to announce a positive outcome, commending the government’s role. Later, Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos confirmed their agreement, expressing their commitment to the league’s continuity.
The Minister confirmed the successful resolution, thanking both clubs’ leadership and underscoring the guarantees of safety and fair play. The two clubs subsequently released a joint statement reaffirming their dedication to a peaceful and sportsmanship-focused conclusion to the 2024–2025 finals.
Government officials expressed satisfaction with the proactive measures taken to ease rising tensions. All eyes are now on Game 3 on Sunday, where the tied 1–1 series will resume, bringing renewed hope for a focus on basketball rather than boardroom disputes.
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