Nottingham Forest's Vangelis Marinakis to face trial amid allegations of criminal connections and sports violence
Vangelis Marinakis, owner of Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos, faces trial in Greece over alleged involvement with criminal organizations and inciting sports violence.
Nottingham Forest is currently having an incredible season, sitting comfortably in third place in the Premier League and advancing to the FA Cup semi-final. However, off the pitch, there’s a storm brewing around the club's owner, Vangelis Marinakis.
The Greek businessman, who also owns Olympiacos, is facing serious legal issues related to alleged criminal connections. The situation has raised concerns, as Marinakis is set to stand trial, potentially affecting both his personal and professional life.
Nottingham Forrest's owner faces criminal connections and sports violence
Nottingham Forest is having an exceptional season, sitting in third place in the Premier League and advancing to the FA Cup semi-final later this month.
However, while the team is enjoying a successful run, club owner Vangelis Marinakis might have other concerns. Marinakis, who also owns Olympiacos, is facing charges from Greek authorities regarding alleged connections to criminal organizations.
The billionaire, along with three other members of the Olympiacos board, is set to stand trial as part of an investigation into sports-related violence, following the death of a police officer during a riot outside a December 2023 volleyball match between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos.
The judges have accused Marinakis and other Panathinaikos officials of providing “various resources and financial means,” allegedly facilitating criminal activities carried out by a criminal organization. Marinakis and the other defendants have denied the misdemeanor charges, which include “inciting sports violence and supporting a criminal organization.”
If found guilty, the 57-year-old could face up to a year in prison, and his ownership of Nottingham Forest could be at risk, as the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT) can disqualify individuals convicted of serious crimes involving violence.
In response, Marinakis issued a strong statement denying any wrongdoing. “This is a coordinated effort to silence me, but a futile one. This is not the first time such an attempt has been made. Political and economic interests have unsuccessfully tried before with fabricated cases and accusations that ultimately failed."
He added: "The true target is me and Olympiacos, but what they truly aim to harm is Freedom of the Press, media independence, and democracy itself."
“The message I am sending is simple and clear: I am not afraid, I will not be blackmailed, I am not negotiating, I will not back down, I will not surrender. The truth will prevail, democracy will triumph, and in the end, we will (as always) emerge victorious.”