Olympiacos have labelled charges against owner Evangelos Marinakis and other club executives as “blackmail” and “fuelled by political interests”.
The Greek side have acknowledged that “misdemeanour charges” have been brought against members of the club’s hierarchy.
Olympiacos state the situation is “shamefully weaponising the judiciary system” and the club’s hierarchy “will not back down”.
An Olympiacos statement read: “Regarding the misdemeanour charges brought against members of its management, Olympiacos FC declares:
“This latest development — widely anticipated for weeks, fuelled by specific political and business interests — is yet another attempt to blackmail Olympiacos FC, aiming to undermine both the Olympiacos family and its President.
“It follows the unjust collective targeting of our fans as part of an alleged criminal organisation.
“Even the most naive observer can see that the timing of these actions is far from coincidental. This orchestrated manoeuvre bears clear political motives, shamefully weaponising the judiciary system.
“Those responsible for this conspiracy are individuals who operate with underhanded tactics, akin to a shadow state, in the public life of the country.
“The President of Olympiacos FC and the Olympiacos family stand with a clear conscience. They cannot be intimidated and will not back down.”
(Michael Steele/Getty Images)
