Olympiakos Chairman Faces Trial Amid Sports Violence Probe

Olympiakos chairman Evangelos Marinakis is set to face trial on misdemeanor charges related to sports violence, following a decision by a Greek judicial council. Read more about the case and the allegations against Marinakis.

Olympiakos chairman Evangelos Marinakis and four other board members will face trial on misdemeanor charges related to a probe into sports violence, according to legal sources. This decision was made by a Greek judicial council on Thursday.

Marinakis, a prominent figure in the shipping and media industries, also owns Nottingham Forest, a club in the English Premier League. He and the four board members have categorically denied any wrongdoing, including allegations of supporting a criminal organization linked to Olympiakos fans.

Olympiakos chairman Evangelos Marinakis' lawyer, Vassilis Dimakopoulos, has vehemently denied the accusations against his client, stating, “The accusation is totally baseless.” A trial date has yet to be set, but the charges stem from a probe into sports violence, which was launched after a riot police officer was fatally injured by a flare during clashes with Olympiakos fans outside a volleyball game in December 2023.

Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis has alleged he is the victim of a conspiracy after reports in Greece indicated he, along with others, has been charged with inciting violence and supporting a criminal organisation.

Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported… pic.twitter.com/K5rVAO7BUJ

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 3, 2025

The volleyball match in question was between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, and a separate trial is currently underway for the killing. In addition to Marinakis, more than 140 people, mostly fans of the Olympiakos sports club, will stand trial on charges of participating in an alleged criminal organization. Lawyers representing them have denied the accusations, as has Olympiakos football club.

The issue of sports violence has plagued Greece in recent years, with authorities vowing to eliminate hooliganism. However, Marinakis has accused the conservative government of interfering with the media and justice to protect its image. In a statement on Olympiakos's website, Marinakis said, “It is a coordinated, but desperate, effort to silence me.” He believes the real target is press freedom, democracy, and his own media group. The government has responded, with a spokesman stating that citizens are equal before justice, which is independent.