Dimitris Giannakopoulos, sanctioned without access to Panathinaikos’ next three games in the Euroleague

The owner of Panathinaikos, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, will be prohibited from accessing the stadiums where his team plays its next three Euroleague games and has been fined 10,000 euros, due to his behavior during the recent duel against Valencia Basket because he contributed to “generating tension and potential violence.”

Euroleague Basketball, the entity that organizes the Euroleague and the Eurocup, imposed this ban on the president of Panathinaikos this Friday under article 27.2.b) of its Disciplinary Code, after the Independent Judge of the tournament analyzed the incidents that occurred in the second game of the playoff between the ‘taronjas’ and those of Athens.

In fact, Valencia Basket itself was fined 5,000 euros due to the throwing of objects by its fans in that heated match at the Roig Arena last Thursday, under article 29.2.g) of the same Euroleague Disciplinary Code.

However, everything focused on the majority shareholder of the ‘PAO’. “In his ruling, the Independent Judge considered that, as reflected on the official score sheet and official reports, Mr. Giannakopoulos entered an area designated exclusively for the scorers’ table during the game, thus violating the restricted access rules that govern the playing area,” his analysis began.

“While infractions in restricted areas are considered minor offenses under the Euroleague Regulations, the Judge also took into account that Mr. Giannakopoulos’ actions contributed to a situation likely to generate tension and potential violence. The Judge also considered Mr. Giannakopoulos’ recidivism,” it was stated.

In this context, Euroleague Basketball “categorically rejected any behavior that could generate violence and that is contrary to the fundamental values ​​it defends” with its competitions. Not in vain, in his note he said that “he will propose to his shareholders a review of the relevant provisions of the Disciplinary Code that regulate this type of behavior”, in order to “reinforce sanctions” for the 2026-27 academic year.

According to the same statement, this will include “clear and specific serious actions that may be sanctioned with the lifelong expulsion of the players.” “The objective is to eradicate behaviors that harm the image of the league and its participating teams,” the text concluded.