The Greek Basket League Finals between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are back on after the series was suspended following explosive tensions during last Sunday’s game.
Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis met with the owners of both clubs, Dimitris Giannakopoulos of Panathinaikos and the Angelopoulos brothers (Giorgos and Panagiotis) representing Olympiacos.
It was two separate meetings but an agreement was made so the finals can continue.
That the owners will not be allowed to attend games in each other’s arenas.
“The government’s will is clear, it wants the league to go on and finish. The government has shown a serious willingness to take measures that will help to prevent a repeat of the things that brought us here today,” the Angelopoulos brothers told reporters.
“All issues were discussed. There were tensions between us, but in a good atmosphere. There is also individual responsibility, each owner has their own responsibility, we believe that the finals will continue,” they added.
Giannakopoulos also said he was certain the finals would resume.
Both clubs later issued a joint announcement, stating that “…we declare our unconditional commitment to the absolutely peaceful and fair completion of the 2024-2025 Basket League championship finals. We have absolute confidence in the Greek justice system for all the issues that have arisen.”
The rivalry between the two Athens-based clubs spans multiple sports and has a history of violence.
The latest disruption occurred despite recent efforts to reduce sports-related violence in Greece, including enhanced surveillance and stricter ticketing systems linked to government-issued IDs.
Sunday’s match at the Peace and Friendship Stadium — won by Olympiacos — was marred by incidents.
Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos was escorted out halftime following a confrontation with referees. Head coach Ergin Ataman was ejected in the fourth quarter after a second technical foul. Television footage showed security from both clubs clashing as Giannakopoulos exited.
