ESAKE disciplinary committee sanctions Panathinaikos and Olympiacos figures

Following incidents during the second final of the Stoiximan Greek Basketball League on June 5, 2026, the ESAKE sports judge issued disciplinary rulings on June 8. Dimitris Giannakopoulos, owner of Panathinaikos AKTOR, and Nikos Lepeniotis, General Manager of Olympiacos, were both suspended from entering sports venues for one month. Additionally, Giannakopoulos was fined 30,000 euros and Panathinaikos BC received a 44,000 euro fine. Olympiacos coach Giorgos Bartzokas was issued a strict written reprimand, ordered to issue a public apology within 24 hours, and fined 10,000 euros. The sanctions follow mutual complaints filed by both clubs regarding defamation of the sport and unsportsmanlike conduct. Panathinaikos had accused Bartzokas of insulting fans and staff, while Olympiacos filed complaints with both the sports judge and the Standing Committee for Combatting Violence (DEAV) seeking stricter penalties, including venue bans and large fines for Giannakopoulos. The imposed penalties are effective immediately, preventing the banned individuals from attending the remaining final matches.