By Stefan Acevski/ info@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague issued penalties following the Game 2 matches in the Quarterfinal series.
Mike James has been fined and given a conditional one-game suspension after the incident in Piraeus, and Valencia has also been fined, but the biggest penalty was given to Panathinaikos‘ owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos.
After complete chaos at the end and after the game, the Greek was fined and banned from attending the next three EuroLeague games. This means he could easily miss the Final Four matches, which are being played at the OAKA Arena. If Panathinaikos wins Game 3, Giannakopoulos will miss both games of the final tournament.
Giannakopoulos entered a restricted area at the end of the game and subsequently got into a conflict with Pedro Martinez, the coach of Valencia. Ergin Ataman even stated at the press conference that there is a chance Giannakopoulos might be arrested after a game.
Additionally, the EuroLeague’s statement further explained the decision and mentioned that from next year, a lifetime ban for severe offenses may be implemented.
EuroLeague press release
Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary decisions issued by the Independent Judge in relation to incidents that occurred during Game 2 of the 2025–26 EuroLeague Playoffs:
- Mike James, AS Monaco player, has been sanctioned with a fine of €6,000 and one-game suspension for his behavior after being disqualified during the game between Olympiacos Piraeus and AS Monaco, under Article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code. The one-game disqualification is conditionally suspended and will be executed in the event of the player committing a new infringement, in accordance with Article 8 of the Disciplinary Code.
- Valencia Basket has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000 for the throwing of objects by its fans during the game between Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, under Article 29.2.g) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.
- Mr. Dimitris Giannakopoulos, majority shareholder of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, has been sanctioned with a prohibition of accessing the Arenas where Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens will be playing its next three EuroLeague games and a fine of €10,000 for his behavior during Playoff Game 2 between Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, under Article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.
Euroleague Basketball would like to clarify the following regarding the sanction imposed on Mr. Giannakopoulos:
- Euroleague Basketball opened a disciplinary procedure following the conclusion of the game, based on the incidents recorded in the official scoresheet and official reports.
- The Independent Judge, who guarantees the independence and fairness of the process and any resulting sanctions, thoroughly evaluated all available information and, in accordance with Euroleague Basketball regulations, issued a decision within 24 hours after the end of the game, as stipulated by the Regulations.
- In the ruling, the Independent Judge considered that, as reflected in the official scoresheet and official reports, Mr. Giannakopoulos entered an area exclusively designated for the scorer’s table during the game, thereby violating the restricted-access regulations governing the playing court area.
- While violations of restricted areas are considered minor infringements under Euroleague Regulations, the Judge also took into account that Mr. Giannakopoulos’ actions contributed to a situation capable of generating tension and potential violence. The Independent Judge further considered the recidivism of Mr. Giannakopoulos.
- Euroleague Basketball firmly rejects any behavior that may generate violence and that runs counter to the core values upheld by the League.
- Euroleague Basketball will propose to its shareholders a review of the relevant provisions of the Disciplinary Code governing such conduct, with a view to strengthening sanctions for the 2026–27 season, including clear and specific serious actions that may be sanctioned with lifetime bans for individuals. The objective is to eradicate conduct that damages the image of the League and its participating teams.
Euroleague Basketball would also like to highlight the outstanding competitive level demonstrated by the League and its participating teams during the first two Playoff games and remains fully committed to delivering a unique basketball experience for the remaining of the Playoffs and the Final Four.