Olympiacos Chief Faces Hooliganism Charges

Olympiacos, a major Greek football club, has condemned an investigation into its top management regarding the death of a riot policeman last year. Owner and president Evangelos Marinakis is summoned to appear next week for possible misdemeanor charges related to supporting a criminal organization and inciting sports violence. The club calls the probe "blackmail" and an "unjust" attack driven by political and business interests, following what they consider unfair targeting of their fans.

The investigation stems from the December 2023 death of riot officer Yiorgos Lyggeridis, who was fatally injured by a marine flare outside a volleyball match between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. Over a dozen suspected Olympiacos hooligans, some reportedly senior members of the Gate 7 supporters' club, were detained. Authorities suspect club officials were aware of their activities.

Along with Marinakis, four other board members, including Piraeus mayor Yiannis Moralis, are summoned to appear next Tuesday. The authorities will then decide whether to formally charge them. Olympiacos maintains Marinakis, who also owns Nottingham Forest and Rio Ave, has a "clear conscience" and will not be intimidated. Moralis has also denied involvement.