This morning, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis and Deputy Minister of Sports Giannis Vroutsis clarified that it is not necessary for Dimitris Giannakopoulos, owner of Panathinaikos, and the Angelopoulos brothers of Olympiacos to meet face-to-face to prevent a championship disruption.
During their television appearances, they emphasized the importance of both parties issuing clear statements to ensure the games proceed smoothly, free from hostility and adhering to standards of decency.
“The goal is not for them to meet but to make definitive statements for the proper conduct of the games, as mandated by law,” stated Mr. Marinakis on MEGA, adding that “it’s essential to communicate that audiences should experience a basketball game, not a hostile environment.”
“Simultaneously, investigations into any inappropriate behavior or chants are ongoing. This is a responsibility for the justice system, not the government. The government acknowledges that circumstances are becoming unmanageable and believes a structured meeting with the Deputy Minister of Sports will help ensure the championship continues without issues,” Marinakis elaborated.
“Meeting at the same table is not the main goal. While I think it should not be a problem, the focus is on ensuring smooth gameplay from both sides. Beyond that, individual accountability is crucial,” he concluded.
Vroutsis echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the Basket League championship might continue uninterrupted even if Giannakopoulos and the Angelopoulos brothers attend the meeting separately after 3 PM at the Ministry of Education.
“We anticipate the club owners will make clear statements after 3 PM to assure fans that the championship will proceed with decorum and without hostility,” Mr. Vroutsis communicated on Action24 this morning.
When asked about the necessity for the Panathinaikos and Olympiacos owners to meet jointly, Vroutsis responded: “Their attendance after 3 PM is essential. They need to address Greek society—everything else is secondary.”
“It’s crucial for both to attend and commit to their statements,” he added.
He further remarked: “The issue of fan conduct primarily concerns violence, not chants. While referees can intervene for verbal abuse, the government cannot take on that role; it can only set the framework.”
“I hope both parties will attend, and I believe the necessary declarations will be made, allowing the championship to continue as fans desire,” Giannis Vroutsis concluded.
Giannakopoulos shifts stance, while the Angelopoulos brothers remain firm
Changes in position emerged from Panathinaikos’ side.
Although Dimitris Giannakopoulos stated via Instagram early Tuesday that “no one has the right to demand I sit with those who disregarded yesterday’s events,” he later informed Mr. Vroutsis of his attendance at the meeting.
This sparked hope for potential reconciliation, yet Olympiacos maintained its stance, even releasing a video earlier of Giannakopoulos’ remarks in the tunnel following his exclusion from the court.
Notably, ESAKE, the championship’s organizing body, re-emerged after 48 hours of silence, urging Mr. Vroutsis for the finals to proceed smoothly, while outlining potential issues stemming from a suspension.
However, their intervention did not sway opinions, and by late afternoon, skepticism within the Ministry of Sports was confirmed. Despite Giannakopoulos’ commitment to meet with Vroutsis, Olympiacos issued a dual statement (along with a later post on X) suggesting that only extraordinary circumstances could prevent a shutdown of this season’s championship.
“We want the championship to continue but refuse to negotiate with the abusive and law-violating D. Giannakopoulos,” read the first statement, followed by a lengthy second one reiterating their unyielding position.
In the meantime, Giannakopoulos officially stated, among other things: “I will set aside any animosity and be present at Mr. Vroutsis’ office, awaiting the Olympiacos owners to honor the government’s conditions.”
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