Olympiacos BC releases statement regarding Mathias Lessort's surgical procedure

On October 8, 2026, Olympiacos BC issued a formal statement disclosing the background of the medical procedure undergone by Panathinaikos basketball player Mathias Lessort in November 2025. The statement was released amidst ongoing tensions between the two rival clubs.

Olympiacos revealed that Lessort and Panathinaikos representatives had consulted the renowned Dutch orthopedic surgeon Dr. Niek van Dijk to address an injury. According to Olympiacos, Dr. van Dijk maintains an exclusive collaboration agreement in Greece with the Olympiacos organization and serves as the personal physician of the club's owner, George Angelopoulos. The Olympiacos statement alleges that Panathinaikos requested approval from the Olympiacos vice-president to proceed with the surgery, which was granted, with the club emphasizing that they prioritized the athlete's health over professional rivalry.

The disclosure was framed by Olympiacos as a critique of Panathinaikos’ management, specifically calling out the club for failing to inform the public about the athlete's condition while accusing them of harboring an obsession with attacking Olympiacos. The statement serves to clarify the club's involvement in the medical logistics of an opposing player's treatment.