Panathinaikos chief Giannakopoulos flouts smoking ban on EuroLeague return

Dimitrios Giannakopoulos is a 49-year-old businessman. His wealth is largely inherited from his father, Pavlos, who founded Greece's largest pharmaceutical company. Dimitrios took over as president of Vianex in 2019 and has since officially continued Pavlos’ legacy. He has also invested in the food industry.

Dimitrios Giannakopoulos's passion is sports. He took over as president of the basketball section at Panathinaikos. Controversies have marked his tenure. Fans, incensed by the Greek’s decisions and conduct, have targeted his private residence.

This week, Dimitrios Giannakopoulos attended a Panathinaikos game after a two-year hiatus. He personally supported the team at the EuroLeague quarterfinals, where Panathinaikos faced off against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The series is currently tied at 1:1.

The absence of Giannakopoulos from Panathinaikos games was due to legal and health issues. Upon his return to an honorary spot in the stands, Dimitrios demonstrated his unchanged demeanor. He stirred up attention and openly criticized the referee, disagreeing with various decisions.

Photojournalists and cameramen also caught Dimitrios Giannakopoulos unabashedly smoking a cigarette indoors. As part of the European Union, Greece enforces a smoking ban in public spaces, but the controversial Panathinaikos head seemed indifferent to this regulation.

Unchallenged, he continued to smoke in the stands, perhaps to ease his nerves about returning to the venue after two years. It remains to be seen whether this bold, yet successful comeback will make him a regular at games again.