By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Former Olympiacos star Giorgos Printezis confirmed he turned down an approach to lead the Hellenic Basketball Federation during the EuroLeague Legends podcast posted Monday on the Eurohoops official YouTube channel.
Printezis, who spent over two decades with the Reds, feels his deep ties to one club make it impossible to head the sport’s national governing body.
“It is true that I have been approached in the last few days,” he said. “I am honored by the interest shown by certain people who suggested that I step forward and get involved in the current affairs. But there is something inside me.”
“Look, I am with Olympiacos. That’s the reality,” continued 41-year-old Printenzis. “Do you think it would be fair for someone who has been identified with one club for 22 years to take on a position within the federation?”
He also noted that good intentions are not enough for the job, pointing out that the role demands specialized experience and a large staff to run daily operations.
“How could I go to OAKA in front of 20,000 Panathinaikos fans as the president of the federation, when I have been identified with their rival club for 20 years? It just doesn’t sit right with me,” he added.
Printezis is not alone in staying away from the upcoming EOK vote. Panagiotis Giannakis previously ruled out his own bid. In contrast, Panagiotis Fasoulas has confirmed his candidacy.
The federation has been reeling from a match-fixing and bribery scandal that forced out former president Vangelis Liolios. Looking to move past the controversy, the elections are set for December 20.
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