By Matt Scott
April 28 – Widespread match-fixing allegations in Greek football hardened yesterday as Evangelos Marinakis (pictured), the Olympiacos owner and president, was charged by prosecutors with a series of alleged offences.
Marinakis, a shipping tycoon who took a majority stake in the 42-times Greek champions in 2010, has been implicated by prosecutors probing allegations of match-fixing in a sweeping anti-corruption inquiry into Greek football. Yesterday he became the highest-profile figure to be charged and must stand before magistrates to respond in June. Marinakis denies the charges.
The Olympiacos president is among 16 people who are accused of involvement in a match-fixing ring and was charged alongside three referees, three other officials from the Hellenic Football Federation, two members of its Central Refereeing Committee and a fellow Super League club chairman.
The other chairman accused was the president of Levadiakos, Yiannis Kobotis, who gave evidence on Monday. After hearing his testimony, prosecutors banned Kobotis and two others from all involvement in the football industry until after the case has been resolved.
Marinakis is accused of being involved in a criminal organisation, of incitement to extortion, of having incited an explosion endangering human life and of the instigation of bribery and corruption aimed at the successful manipulation of football matches offered in betting markets. He denies all four charges.
If found guilty of being involved in a criminal organisation, then Marinakis could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Having won the Greek title this season, Olympiacos have obtained direct qualification to next season’s Champions League group stages.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734945846labto1734945846ofdlr1734945846owedi1734945846sni@t1734945846tocs.1734945846ttam1734945846