Greek Basket League Faces Cancellation: Owners Reject Meeting, Minister Issues Ultimatum

Greece's Basket League Faces Cancellation Amidst Owner Dispute ATHENS, GREECE – The Greek Basket League is teetering on the brink of cancellation due to a dispute between the owners of the two prominent teams, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. Deputy Minister of Sports, Giannis Vroutsis, issued a stark warning on Tuesday: "I will wait for them until 3 PM on Wednesday. If they do not come, the championship will be definitively canceled." This follows the owners' rejection of a prior invitation to a meeting aimed at resolving the conflict and ensuring the smooth continuation of the season. Both Giorgos and Panagiotis Angelopoulos, owners of Olympiacos, and Dimitris Giannakopoulos, owner of Panathinaikos, have so far refused to compromise. Their unwillingness to negotiate has left the Basket League's future hanging in the balance. The situation has caused significant concern among fans and the wider sporting community. "Their refusal to participate in a discussion for the good of Greek basketball is deeply disappointing," stated a source close to the Ministry of Sports. The ultimatum issued by the Deputy Minister underscores the gravity of the situation. The cancellation of the championship would have significant repercussions, impacting players, fans, and the overall sporting landscape of Greece. While the deadline looms, hopes remain for a last-minute resolution that would prevent the cancellation of the championship and allow the season to conclude.