Super Eagles star Ola Aina’s boss set to stand trial over sports violence

Ola Aina and Forest endured a difficult day at the office || Imago

Super Eagles star Ola Aina’s boss set to stand trial over sports violence

Ayoola Kelechi 20:38 - 03.04.2025

The Tricky Tees chief is set for some legal trouble after recent allegations levelled against him

Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis is set to face trial on misdemeanor charges related to sports violence, following a ruling by a Greek judicial council.

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Marinakis, who oversees Super Eagles stars Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi at Nottingham Forest, has denied any wrongdoing alongside four Olympiacos board members.

Marinakis denies charges amidst legal battle

Marinakis, a shipping and media tycoon, has dismissed the accusations as “totally baseless” through his lawyer Vassilis Dimakopoulos.

Evangelos Marinakis, Nottingham Forest owner || Imago

Authorities launched the investigation after a riot police officer was fatally injured during clashes with Olympiakos fans outside a volleyball match against Panathinaikos in December 2023.

The Olympiakos boss, however, claims he is being unfairly targeted, insisting he has no involvement in organised fan violence.

Evangelos Marinakis at a friendly between the two clubs he owns Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos | Imago

While a separate trial is ongoing for those directly involved in the officer’s death, Marinakis awaits confirmation of his own court date.

Greek football faces new wave of hooliganism trials

The judicial council also ruled that over 140 Olympiakos supporters will stand trial for alleged involvement in criminal activities linked to the club’s fan groups.

Evangelos Marinakis at a Nottingham Forest match | Imago

The Olympiakos football club has distanced itself from the accusations, but the case underscores the ongoing hooliganism crisis in Greek sports.

Marinakis, who also owns a major media network, has accused the Greek government of politically motivated interference, claiming officials are trying to silence him.

However, government representatives maintain that justice will be served fairly, emphasizing that no one is above the law.