Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis Faces Greek Trial Over Football Violence And Criminal Organisation Charges

The billionaire owner of Premier League club Nottingham Forest is facing one of the most significant legal battles in European football history. Evangelos Marinakis, the Greek shipping magnate who transformed Nottingham Forest from Championship strugglers to European competitors, has gone on trial in Athens over serious allegations of instigating football violence and supporting a criminal organisation linked to fan violence.

The 58-year-old businessman, who purchased Nottingham Forest in 2017 and steered the club back to the Premier League after 23 years, appeared in court alongside four other Olympiacos board members on Wednesday, November 6, 2025. The trial, held at Athens’ high-security Korydallos prison, represents Greece’s largest-ever crackdown on sports-related violence and could have far-reaching implications for both Nottingham Forest and European football governance.

The Charges: What Nottingham Forest’s Owner Faces

Evangelos Marinakis stands accused of two misdemeanour counts spanning a five-year period from 2019 to 2024. The charges stem from his ownership and management of Greek giants Olympiacos, the club he has controlled since 2010 and used as a springboard to acquire Nottingham Forest seven years later.

The allegations are not abstract legal technicalities—they’re rooted in tragedy. The investigation was launched after 31-year-old riot police officer George Lyngeridis was killed when struck by a flare during clashes between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos fans outside a women’s volleyball match in December 2023. Lyngeridis suffered severe facial injuries and later died in hospital, becoming the latest victim of Greece’s endemic sports violence problem.

The Nottingham Forest Connection: Premier League Concerns

While the charges relate specifically to Olympiacos and incidents in Greece, the trial carries significant implications for Nottingham Forest and the Premier League. Marinakis has been the driving force behind Nottingham Forest’s remarkable resurgence, investing heavily in players, infrastructure, and management to restore the two-time European Cup winners to prominence.

Since Marinakis completed his £50 million takeover of Nottingham Forest in May 2017, the club has experienced a transformation that few could have predicted:

2017-2022: Steady Championship progress culminating in promotion via the playoffs after 23 years outside the top flight

2022-Present: Establishment as a competitive Premier League club with European qualification achieved in 2025

Infrastructure: Approval of City Ground redevelopment plans to modernize the stadium and increase capacity

Financial Investment: Significant spending on transfers to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level

The question facing Nottingham Forest supporters, the Premier League, and football authorities is whether these charges—even if unrelated to his English football activities—impact Marinakis’s suitability as a club owner under the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

Inside the Trial: High Security and Heated Denials

The trial proceedings at Korydallos prison have been marked by extraordinary security measures. Masked police officers guarded several detained defendants as the case opened before a packed courtroom. Marinakis himself did not attend the initial hearing, instead being represented by his lawyer Vassilis Dimakopoulos, who has vigorously defended his client against what he calls “totally baseless” accusations.

“The accusation is totally baseless,” Dimakopoulos told reporters outside the courtroom, echoing the defiant tone Marinakis himself has adopted throughout the investigation.

The scale of the trial is unprecedented in Greek sports history. In addition to Marinakis and the four Olympiacos board members—including CEO Dimitris Agrafiotis and vice-presidents Kostas Karapapas and Michalis Kountouris—a total of 142 fans face charges of running a criminal organisation and causing life-threatening explosions at sporting events.

Lawyers involved in the case have indicated the trial could last over a year, with more than 210 witnesses scheduled to testify. The court has adjourned until November 25, 2025, for the next session, beginning what promises to be a long and complex legal process.

Marinakis’s Response: Allegations of Political Conspiracy

Far from accepting the charges quietly, Evangelos Marinakis has mounted an aggressive public defense that includes serious allegations against the Greek government. In a lengthy statement published on Olympiacos’s official website, the Nottingham Forest owner accused Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of orchestrating a politically motivated prosecution designed to silence him and his media empire.

“A panic-stricken Prime Minister and the scandalously favoured media cronies who depend on the Mitsotakis system for their survival are trying to blackmail me and compromise my independence, weaponising the justice system once again to do so,” Marinakis wrote.

The Nottingham Forest owner’s statement continued with increasingly stark language: “Their efforts constitute a coordinated attempt to gag me, but one that has no chance of success. Similar attempts have been made unsuccessfully in the past by political and financial interests, but their fabricated cases have always collapsed spectacularly.”

Marinakis, who owns Alter Ego Media—one of Greece’s largest media groups controlling prominent newspapers Ta Nea and To Vima, as well as television channel One Channel—claims the prosecution is retaliation for his media outlets’ critical coverage of the government. “Olympiacos and myself are their overt targets, but their true goal is to erode press freedom, media independence and ultimately democracy itself,” he declared.

The Greek government has firmly rejected these allegations. A government spokesman responded that “citizens are equal before justice, which is independent,” dismissing Marinakis’s conspiracy claims as unfounded.

The Tragic Context: Greece’s Football Violence Crisis

To understand the charges against the Nottingham Forest owner, it’s essential to grasp the severity of Greece’s sports violence problem. The death of police officer George Lyngeridis is far from an isolated incident—it’s part of a disturbing pattern that has plagued Greek football and other sports for years.

In February 2022, 19-year-old Alkis Kambanos was murdered by a gang of PAOK supporters who attacked him and his friends on a public street in Thessaloniki simply for supporting a different football team. The brazen nature of the attack—carried out in broad daylight—shocked Greece and led to renewed calls for action against organized football hooliganism.

Just months before Lyngeridis’s death, Michalis Katsouris, a fan of AEK Athens, was stabbed to death during violent clashes with hooligan supporters of Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb. Police arrested nearly 100 people following the violence, which forced UEFA to postpone a Champions League qualifying match between the teams.

Greek authorities have repeatedly promised to eliminate hooliganism, but the violence persists. The phenomenon isn’t limited to football—basketball, volleyball, and other sports associated with Greece’s major clubs have all experienced similar problems. Critics argue that club owners and administrators have historically turned a blind eye to organized fan groups, tacitly encouraging their activities as a form of intimidation against rivals.

The Prosecutor’s Case: “Invisible Leadership” Allegations

The prosecution’s theory, as outlined by the investigating magistrate, goes beyond simple negligence. Prosecutors allege that Marinakis and other Olympiacos executives didn’t merely fail to control violent fan groups—they actively supported and financed them as part of a deliberate strategy.

“Based on the detailed examination and assessment of the collected evidence, it follows that in addition to the obvious leadership, it cannot be ruled out that the criminal organisation is managed, covertly and at the highest level, by the owner or executives of Olympiacos FC,” the prosecutor stated.

This allegation of “invisible leadership” is particularly serious. If proven, it would suggest that the Nottingham Forest owner and his colleagues deliberately maintained plausible deniability while coordinating with violent fan groups behind the scenes. The prosecution is investigating whether Olympiacos provided financial support, logistical assistance, or other resources to hardcore organized fans who engaged in criminal activities.

Several members of these alleged fan organizations have already been found guilty in related cases, providing prosecutors with potential witnesses and documentary evidence to support their theory of institutional involvement.

Marinakis’s Legal History: Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Evangelos Marinakis has faced serious legal allegations. The Nottingham Forest owner’s business career has been marked by several high-profile investigations, though he has consistently denied wrongdoing and has either been cleared or not charged in previous cases.

Most notably, Marinakis was investigated in a Greek drug trafficking case involving the ship Noor 1, owned by Pantelis Kalafatis. The investigation, which began in 2014 and involved the Greek Coast Guard, DEA, and Greek judicial authorities, culminated in the conviction of various individuals and arrest warrants for Turkish nationals. However, in January 2021, a judge concluded there was insufficient evidence implicating Marinakis, and the investigation regarding him was concluded without charges.

More recently, in October 2024, Marinakis was banned for five matches by the English Football Association after being found guilty of spitting at match officials following Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 Premier League loss to Fulham. Marinakis claimed the incident was unintentional and resulted from a cough developed from smoking cigars, but an independent regulatory commission rejected this explanation after reviewing security camera footage.

The Nottingham Forest owner has also faced match-fixing allegations in Greece, though he was permanently acquitted by the Greek Football Federation’s Ethics Committee.

Impact on Nottingham Forest: What Happens Next?

Nottingham Forest supporters and Premier League observers are naturally concerned about what this trial means for the club’s future. Several scenarios could unfold depending on the trial’s outcome and duration:

Short-Term Impact: The trial is unlikely to have immediate operational effects on Nottingham Forest. Marinakis already relinquished day-to-day control of the club in April 2025 due to UEFA regulations prohibiting the same owner from controlling two clubs competing in the same European competition. His shares were placed in a blind trust, with three new trustees appointed to ensure compliance.

Medium-Term Concerns: If convicted of supporting a criminal organisation, Marinakis could face restrictions on his ability to own or control football clubs. The Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test requires individuals to pass character and integrity standards. A criminal conviction—particularly for football-related offenses—could trigger a review of his status.

Long-Term Questions: Even if acquitted, the trial has brought unwanted attention to Nottingham Forest’s ownership structure and Marinakis’s business practices. The club’s commercial reputation and ability to attract sponsors could be affected by prolonged negative publicity.

The Premier League has not commented on the case, maintaining that it is monitoring the situation but will not pre-judge the outcome of legal proceedings. FA regulations give the league powers to act if an owner is convicted of certain criminal offenses, but no action would be taken based solely on charges.

Nottingham Forest’s Statement: Standing By Their Owner

Nottingham Forest’s response to the trial has been notably supportive of Marinakis. Club chairman Nicholas Randall issued an open letter to supporters reaffirming confidence in the owner, though this was in relation to earlier investigations rather than the current trial.

The club has emphasized Marinakis’s investment in Nottingham Forest, his commitment to community initiatives, and his role in restoring the club to competitive status. Forest officials point to Marinakis’s recent pledge to support fans caught up in the tragic Cambridgeshire train stabbing incident in November 2025, where he offered free private healthcare to victims, as evidence of his character.

However, the club has been careful not to comment directly on the specifics of the Greek trial, recognizing the sensitivity of ongoing legal proceedings and the potential complications of being seen to interfere in another country’s judicial process.

The Olympiacos Factor: Success Amidst Controversy

Marinakis’s record as Olympiacos president complicates the narrative surrounding the trial. Under his ownership since 2010, Olympiacos has achieved remarkable success:

• Seven consecutive Greek Super League titles from 2011-2017
• Multiple Greek Cup victories
• Regular Champions League participation
• Historic 2024 Europa Conference League triumph—the first European trophy won by a Greek club

The club’s on-field success has made Marinakis a beloved figure among Olympiacos supporters, who view him as the architect of their club’s golden era. This support partially explains the passionate defense he has mounted against the charges and the political conspiracy theories he has advanced.

However, critics argue that this very success may have emboldened organized fan groups who felt they enjoyed institutional protection. The prosecution’s case rests partly on the theory that Olympiacos’s dominance was maintained not just through superior resources and management, but through intimidation facilitated by violent supporter organizations.

European Football’s Response: The Bigger Picture

The Marinakis trial is being closely watched across European football as a potential test case for how authorities handle club owners accused of criminal activity. UEFA and national football associations have long struggled with how to regulate club ownership effectively, particularly when owners operate across multiple countries and legal jurisdictions.

The fact that Marinakis owns both a Greek Super League club (Olympiacos) and a Premier League club (Nottingham Forest), as well as Portuguese side Rio Ave, highlights the internationalization of football ownership and the challenges this creates for governance.

If convicted, Marinakis could become the highest-profile football owner ever to face serious criminal penalties related to their activities as a club owner. This would likely prompt UEFA and national associations to review and potentially strengthen their fit-and-proper-person tests for club ownership.

Conversely, if Marinakis is acquitted—particularly if he can substantiate his claims of political persecution—it could vindicate his position and potentially embarrass Greek authorities who have pursued the case with such vigor.

What Nottingham Forest Fans Should Know

For supporters of Nottingham Forest, the trial creates an uncomfortable period of uncertainty. The club has made remarkable progress under Marinakis’s ownership, achieving promotion, establishing themselves in the Premier League, and qualifying for European competition for the first time in three decades.

The financial investment has been substantial, the ambition evident, and the results impressive. Marinakis has delivered on many of his promises to restore Forest to prominence, making him a popular figure among the club’s fanbase despite occasional controversies.

However, the serious nature of the charges in Greece cannot be ignored. Supporting a criminal organisation and instigating violence are grave allegations that strike at the heart of what football should represent. The fact that a police officer died in circumstances allegedly linked to fan groups associated with Marinakis’s other club adds tragic weight to the proceedings.

Nottingham Forest supporters find themselves in the difficult position of supporting a club they love while watching its owner face charges that, if proven, would be incompatible with football ownership. Most are taking a wait-and-see approach, recognizing that charges are not convictions and that the Greek judicial process must run its course.

The Timeline Ahead: What to Expect

The trial has only just begun and is expected to last well over a year. The next session is scheduled for November 25, 2025, with more than 210 witnesses yet to testify. The complexity of the case—involving 147 defendants, multiple alleged criminal acts over five years, and the death of a police officer—ensures this will be a lengthy process.

For Nottingham Forest, the 2025-26 season will likely unfold with this legal cloud hanging over the club. The team’s performance on the pitch will need to be sufficiently strong to maintain focus and morale despite the distraction of their owner’s legal battles.

The Premier League and FA will continue monitoring the situation, though they are unlikely to take action unless and until there is a conviction. European football authorities, particularly UEFA, may also maintain close oversight given Nottingham Forest’s participation in European competition.

A Defining Moment for Nottingham Forest’s Modern Era

The trial of Evangelos Marinakis represents one of the most significant challenges in Nottingham Forest’s recent history. The club has worked hard to rebuild its reputation and competitive status after years in the wilderness. Now, that progress could be jeopardized by legal proceedings thousands of miles away in Athens.

For Greek football, the trial represents a reckoning with endemic violence that has plagued the sport for generations. Whether Marinakis is guilty or innocent, the case has focused international attention on Greece’s failure to adequately address football hooliganism and the alleged connections between club leadership and violent fan organizations.

The coming months will be crucial. If Marinakis is acquitted, he may emerge strengthened, his claims of political persecution vindicated. If convicted, Nottingham Forest may face the prospect of finding new ownership—a daunting challenge given the investment and ambition Marinakis has brought to the club.

For now, Nottingham Forest supporters, Premier League observers, and European football authorities can only watch and wait as Greek justice takes its course. The outcome will have ramifications far beyond one man or one club, potentially reshaping how football governance approaches the complex question of owner accountability across borders and legal systems.

What remains certain is that this trial will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of both Nottingham Forest and European football ownership. The only question is whether it will be remembered as justice served, persecution survived, or something more complicated that defies simple categorization.

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