The new president, Angelos Papanikolaou, speaking to ertnews, emphasized the need for administrative stability until the elections for the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) are held.
“It seems that some people have sold out basketball and the Greeks who love the sport so dearly. Justice will be their judge. Let’s keep basketball alive through institutional stability and lead the Hellenic Basketball Federation, in coordination with the Ministry of Sports, toward the upcoming elections on December 20. Using the previous system, which was reliable and led to widespread participation. At this time, given the need for in-person voting and face-to-face contact with clubs, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, the decision was made to hold in-person elections on December 20. At this time, we need the Ministry’s assistance because funding has been suspended, so that we can ensure the full participation of the clubs. “The Ministry of Sports must help us,” he said.
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Here are the rest of Papanikolaou’s statements in detail
On whether a provisional administration should be appointed by the Court of First Instance: “Resorting to a provisional administration will lead to uncertainty and chaos. Last weekend, 600 games were played. If there were an appeal to the Court of First Instance for 45 days, there could be no financial activity within the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK). There is also FIBA, which does not permit extrajudicial proceedings that could result in the exclusion of national teams. The participation of national teams in the qualifying windows is crucial because qualification is at stake. The administration of the Court of First Instance is not institutionally sound. At this moment, the outstanding financial issues must be resolved so that the national team can play its matches. We must lead Greek basketball into a new era of stability. There is no other consideration or priority. All of us who care about the good of basketball must lead the sport into the future.
On Fasoulas’ candidacy: “We were rivals in 2021. There needs to be consistency in our participation and our activities, and there needs to be a stable environment. Someone must have consistent participation.”
“I’d like to add that you should know the entire process was carried out by EPATHLAS, which was established by the Ministry of Sports. EPATHL is the platform for sports integrity. Following a complaint, a referral was made, and then all these events occurred that harmed basketball. After Piloidis’s resignation, we found ourselves in a difficult situation. We issued an open call to fill positions on the Central Refereeing Committee (KED). We received no applications. One person was selected as a replacement. We have confidence in the KED and in Greek referees. My concern is with the system that allowed all this to happen. I’m trying to curb that system.”
On whether he has contacted Spanoulis, the national team coach: “I plan to do so. The national team’s participation in the international windows is a priority. Teams should allow athletes to participate in the international windows, especially right now, for the good of the national team. Let’s make Greek citizens proud.”
