In late 2019, PAOK FC faced allegations of dual ownership concerning its association with Xanthi FC, a violation of Greek football regulations that could lead to severe penalties, including point deductions or relegation. To navigate this legal challenge, PAOK enlisted the expertise of Takis (Panagiotis) Baltakos, a seasoned Greek lawyer with a notable background in sports law and administration.
Initial Allegations and Penalties
In December 2019, reports emerged suggesting a connection between PAOK and Xanthi FC through ownership links. The Committee on Professional Sports (CPS) investigated these claims and, in January 2020, concluded that there was evidence of multi-club ownership involving the two teams. Consequently, in March 2020, the disciplinary court imposed a seven-point deduction on PAOK and a twelve-point deduction on Xanthi for violating ownership regulations.
Legal Proceedings and CAS Involvement
Challenging these sanctions, PAOK, under Baltakos’s legal guidance, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In July 2020, CAS annulled PAOK’s seven-point deduction and remanded the case to the Appeals Committee of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) for a comprehensive re-examination.
Final Acquittal
Upon re-evaluation, the EPO Appeals Committee acquitted PAOK of all charges related to multi-ownership in February 2021, effectively clearing the club of any disciplinary action. Baltakos emphasized the importance of reviewing the detailed reasoning behind the decision to determine PAOK’s subsequent legal steps.
Throughout this legal ordeal, Takis Baltakos played a pivotal role in formulating and executing PAOK’s defense strategy, navigating the complexities of sports law to achieve a favorable outcome for the club.