A significant day for the employees of the former Xanthi FC, who, after a two-year legal battle with former club owner Bill Papas (Vassilios Papadhimiotriou), saw the president and judge of the Xanthi District Court rule in their favor and sentence Papas to seven years’ imprisonment for failing to pay outstanding wages.
Specifically, SportsAddict.gr, the only media outlet present at the court hearing, reports on the profound satisfaction felt by all parties regarding the verdict. The sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, without suspension and without the possibility of appeal, is for the specific charge of unpaid wages. The sentence is immediately enforceable.
This victory is a major triumph for the employees and their legal representative. Alexandros Yialaloglou, who represented 12 of the employees, expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision. The sentence imposed is eight months’ imprisonment for each employee whose wages were not paid, totaling 84 months (which leads to the 7-year sentence).
Speaking exclusively to SportsAddict.gr, Alexandros Yialaloglou, the sole legal representative who fought tirelessly for the employees’ rights, stated:
“The efforts of Xanthi FC employees have reached another significant milestone, and we are absolutely satisfied that the court heard the concerns of the people who worked and contributed to the team, who were deprived of the reward for their efforts. Justice provides solutions when good faith and patience are not appreciated by the powerful employer, rewarding each person accordingly.
The struggle continues, and we hope that the former major shareholder will take responsibility for his obligations and satisfy the employees’ demands, putting an end to their ordeal.”