The Olympiacos FC trial, one of the largest cases related to sports violence in Greece, began on Wednesday in Athens, marking a significant moment in the state’s efforts to crack down on Greek football hooliganism.

Held at the high-security Korydallos prison, the trial involves 142 defendants, including fans and senior club officials, who are facing serious charges ranging from forming a criminal organization to orchestrating life-threatening explosions at sporting events. All have denied any wrongdoing.

Among those standing trial is Evangelos Marinakis, chairman of Olympiacos FC and owner of English club Nottingham Forest. Alongside four other board members, Marinakis is accused of supporting the alleged criminal network between 2019 and 2024. The case also references a 2023 statement said to have instigated violence.

The accused Olympiacos officials, including Marinakis, who did not attend the opening session and was represented by legal counsel, have rejected the misdemeanour charges as baseless.

Greek gootball hooliganism and UEFA concerns

Greek football hooliganism has long plagued the country’s sports culture. Fans, often aligned with a single club across multiple sports, have frequently clashed with police and rival groups in both planned and spontaneous street altercations.

The issue has drawn criticism from the European football governing body, UEFA, as sports violence concerns have escalated in recent years.

Fatal 2023 incident sparked the probe

The investigation was launched after the fatal injury of riot police officer George Lyngeridis in 2023 during clashes at a women's volleyball match between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, typically considered a low-risk event.

Prior to the match, supporters allegedly moved a bag of flares and makeshift explosives from a football stadium storage room to the volleyball venue. Lyngeridis was struck by a flare and later died from his injuries, marking the third fatality related to sports violence in Greece between 2022 and 2023.

The incident prompted Greece’s top court prosecutor to call for stricter action against criminal groups connected with sports.

Trial timeline and legal proceedings ahead

More than 210 individuals are expected to testify during the Korydallos prison trial, which legal experts estimate could last over a year. The session opened with the presiding judge reading out the names of defendants and witnesses before adjourning proceedings until November 25.

As the Olympiacos FC trial unfolds, it is expected to test Greece’s legal system and its resolve to address the long-standing issue of violence in sport.

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