Dimitris Giannakopoulos could be banned from the Athens Final Four

Panathinaikos’ owner was handed a five-game ban due to his behavior during last year’s Final Four in Abu Dhabi and after the situation in Valencia, the penalty could be the same

By Aris Barkas / info@eurohoops.net

Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos is once again at the center of controversy and could face a sanction that would prevent him from attending the Athens Final Four. The situation follows incidents that took place on Thursday night during the second game of the playoff series against Valencia Basket, reigniting concerns over his conduct at official basketball events.

Giannakopoulos, who has been sanctioned several times by Euroleague, had previously been handed a five-game ban due to his behavior during last year’s Final Four in Abu Dhabi. That disciplinary action set a notable precedent regarding the standards expected from club executives in European basketball.

According to Eurohoops sources,  the latest incidents could lead to a similar punishment, which would represent a significant institutional and symbolic setback for the Greek club. His potential absence from such a major event as the Athens Final Four, that will be held in Panathinaikos‘ arena, would add further tension to an already delicate situation.

Authorities are currently reviewing the events, which included the presence of Spanish policemen, before issuing an official decision. In the meantime, Giannakopoulos’ immediate future within European competitions remains uncertain and could potentially not see his team winning the eight Euroleague title on the sidelines.