ATHENS, Jan 28, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Greek Super League leaders PAOK Thessaloniki and Xanthi face the threat of relegation from the top flight after the independent Professional Sports Commission on Monday said the two clubs illegally share common ownership.
It is now up to the league to decide if it agrees with the commission.
In addition, the commission recommended a fine of 400,000 euros ($440,780) for Xanthi and 300,000 euros for PAOK.
Olympiakos had filed a complaint with the commission, saying PAOK’s Russian owner Ivan Savvidis — who famously entered the pitch while carrying a handgun in a holster during a game in 2018 — also holds a share in Xanthi, which he has denied.
PAOK currently lead second-placed Olympiakos by one point in the title race.
“The decision’s sole purpose was to tarnish the history of PAOK, the team that finally put an end to Olympiakos’ domination,” PAOK said in a statement. “They tried several times to exterminate PAOK and in every attempt they found themselves deeper in the mud.”
PAOK said Greece’s Deputy Sports Minister Lefteris Avgenakis was behind the decision by the commission.
“Mr. Avgenakis proved to be the representative of the Olympiakos press office, setting up the case,” the PAOK statement added.
“We demand that the Prime Minister remove him immediately as he is dangerous to the sport.”
Avgenakis said on Twitter: “The government respects the self-government of Greek football and the judgement of the Professional Sports Commission.
“In any case, however, it is not possible to impose the most onerous punishment for relegation to historical clubs without complete documentation.”
Xanthi president Aristidis Pialoglou defended his side.
“Fortunately it is an opinion and not a decision,” he said.