Giannakopoulos Criticizes Referee Choice in High-Stakes Olympiacos-Panathinaikos GBL Final

Athens, Greece – June 8, 2025 – Prominent Greek businessman and Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos has voiced his concerns regarding the refereeing choices for the crucial GBL basketball final between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. The game, held at the SEF arena, saw the appointment of referee Papapetrou, a decision that has sparked debate among fans and commentators alike. Giannakopoulos, in a short video released by newsit.gr, stated: "I have nothing against Papapetrou personally; in a previous post, I even said he is one of the most trustworthy referees. However, they made a mistake by not disqualifying someone who acted after the game with his executive bodies." His remarks highlight concerns about potential bias and the implications of such decisions on the integrity of the competition. The video has generated significant online discussion, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding refereeing decisions in high-stakes sporting events. While Giannakopoulos's comments are critical, the overall situation emphasizes the importance of fair play and transparent officiating in professional sports. The GBL is expected to address the concerns raised in due course.