Vroutsis: “SEF belongs to Olympiakos – It can proceed with any action it wishes”

Clear in everything that has to do with the issue of SEF and the possibility of Olympiakos to start work on it was Yannis Vroutsis.

The minister of sports spoke on the show, Center Fox, on Foxbet pointing out that the stadium has become the property of the red and white KAE, from the moment the gazette has been published and they can do any work, repair, upgrade on it they want.

“Since the gazette came out, about two months ago, the part of the SEF regarding the indoor stadium has been fully transferred to Olympiakos. Now, Olympiacos has every jurisdiction to proceed with any action it wishes, to repair, upgrade and modernize the facilities. SEF belongs to Olympiakos for 50 years. It is a historic agreement, fair and balanced”said Yiannis Vroutsis.

The minister spoke about the projects being implemented at the Kawtanzoglio Stadium and the collaboration with PAOK, OAKA, he made a special mention of Aris and the perspective of the concession of the Palais de Sport, while he also referred to the issues of arbitration and the legislative framework against sports violence.

In detail:

FOR Kavtanzoglio and PAOK:



“I announced that 21 million euros are being secured so that Kautanzoglio will be ready by July. It is a very significant amount, because the stadium must be fully functional and safe, as PAOK and Iraklis will compete there.

I don’t tend to commit unless I’m absolutely sure of what I’m saying. We now have a very strong relationship of trust with PAOK. They came to my office with a proposal ready and were amazed at the speed with which I responded. I said that by the end of November there will be a committee that will agree as part of the process for the new stadium. PAOK is a great, iconic team and deserves to get what it deserves.

It’s incredible, but Kavtanzoglio, since it was built in 1960, has never had a license to operate. After 65 years, it finally has an official license. This is a historic step for Thessaloniki and for Greek sports as a whole. PAOK can rest easy. In July 2026, he will be able to compete in Kavanzoglio, both in the league and in Europe. Static adequacy has already been given to the 28,000 seats, there are defibrillators and all the modern safety means that even OAKA does not have.

The implementation will be done by TAIPED, so that it can proceed quickly and transparently. For its part, PAOK, as a private entity, can carry out its own interventions to be ready in June 2026. Kavtanzoglio will become an ornament for Thessaloniki and a point of reference for Greek sports.”

For SEF:

“The Peace and Friendship Stadium was under the management of the Ministry of Sports, like the other 17 national sports facilities. Olympiakos’ request for his concession was absolutely reasonable and fair. However, a large and substantial consultation took place. When you manage public property, you must be careful and institutionally protected. Thus, in a completely clear way, we passed the relevant law through the Parliament.

Since the publication of the gazette, about two months ago, the part of the SEF concerning the indoor stadium has been fully transferred to Olympiakos. Now, Olympiacos has every jurisdiction to proceed with any action it wishes, to repair, upgrade and modernize the facilities. SEF belongs to Olympiakos for 50 years. It is a historic agreement, fair and balanced.”

Regarding the Olympic Stadium (OAKA), the Minister emphasized:



“OAKA will be completed in June 2026, that is, in less than a year from today. These are projects worth around 140 million euros – including VAT – financed by the Recovery Fund. OAKA is becoming state-of-the-art, better and safer even from the time it was built. It had, unfortunately, the same problems as Kavtanzoglio: it operated without full licensing. This, however, is changing for good.”

For the issues concerning AEK, Panathinaikos and Olympiakos:



“Makis Angelopoulos is absolutely right in his request to extend the concession of the closed area in Ano Liosia. He took over a completely abandoned building, which did not even have a permit. Through his own personal efforts, he managed to license it and turn it into a real sporting gem. It systematically invests in both the facility and the surrounding area, creating a core of development and upgrading for the entire area.

AEK has proven that they manage the stadium properly and have done an excellent job. Her request for a ten-year extension is perfectly reasonable and fair. We are not negative. It will be evaluated institutionally, but our intention is positive. The closed Ano Liosia is an example of good cooperation between the state and the club.”

For the Botanikos project and the new Panathinaikos stadium:



“The installation of Botanikos does not belong to the competence of the Ministry of Sports, that is why I am sparing in my placements. However, it is my wish and will that the project will proceed and be completed. It will be something extremely positive both for Panathinaikos and for Greek sports as a whole. I hope it goes as planned. Everything seems to be going well.”

About Olympiakos and “Georgios Karaiskakis”:



“There is no official discussion or disturbance from Olympiakos to the Ministry for increasing capacity or upgrading the Karaiskakis stadium. And I am informed only by publications. The stadium is one of the most modern in Greece, built in recent years, and is a model of operation. From there, it is the absolute right of Olympiakos, as a private entity, to proceed with any upgrade it deems appropriate.”

For the concession of “Alexandrei Melathros” to Aris and the support of the Thessaloniki teams:



“Ares had been wronged, just like many teams from Thessaloniki. We dealt directly, and with legislative intervention, the problems that Amateur Aris had. With a special provision, it was freed from the hoarseness of debts, which allows it to operate normally and to be financed by the Greek state. This was a crucial step for the consolidation and sustainability of the club.

I recently visited the Palais de Sport, together with Nikos Galis, and saw the works being carried out up close. I was really happy with the image of the stadium and everyone’s willingness to upgrade it. We have already started discussions with the management of Aris and EAK Thessaloniki to examine the concession of Alexandreion to the club, as long as the necessary conditions are met”.

For relations with the Federations:



“From the first day I assumed the Ministry, I made it a priority to keep equal distances from all associations. There are no “favoured” and “neglected”. There are Greek groups that deserve support and recognition. PAOK, Aris, Iraklis, AEK, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos — all are teams with history and something to offer, and each deserves equal treatment.

A few years ago, the Ministry’s relationship with the EPO was conflictual. This has now changed radically. Today, our cooperation with the president of EPO, Mr. Gagatsi, is strong and constructive. The EPO is present at the Ministry and the Ministry is present at the EPO. Whatever is decided, is done in consultation and with mutual trust.

Through the collaboration with EPO, we proceeded with the energy upgrade of 32 football stadiums throughout Greece, financed by the Ministry of Sports”.

On the relationship with the EEC and the institutional role of the state:



“We have an excellent relationship with EEC. We work together every day, with a spirit of respect and institutionality. Basketball is a sport that has honored our country, and the State supports every effort to upgrade and clean it up.”

I want us to leave behind the past of inequalities. I want a Ministry of Sports that serves everyone with transparency, fairness and efficiency. Greece needs modern, safe and green sports infrastructure – and that’s what we’re doing, step by step. The EEC, like the EPO, are institutions, representatives of their sports, and we must cooperate with respect.”

Referring to the letter from Panathinaikos international players regarding the arbitration, he said:



“I read the letter and, like any such public statement, it troubled and concerned me. Refereeing, whether in football or basketball, is not subject to government intervention. The state can neither intervene in the decisions of the federations, nor “pull the ear” of institutions. It is an internal issue of the federations.

The state is neither a punisher nor an observer. He is an institutional guarantor. It guarantees transparency, security and fairness. We support sport with rules, not interventions. I want us to leave the shadow ages behind and move into a new era of institutional trust.”

For dealing with sports violence and the cases of Michalis Katsouris and Giorgos Lyggeridis:



“As a Greek citizen, I consider unacceptable what happened with the murder of Michalis Katsouris in New Philadelphia. It is inconceivable that organized groups of fans would cross the border, cross the country and end up at a point where a murder would take place. This must never happen again.

The Greek Police immediately proceeded to a Sworn Administrative Examination, there were resignations and dismissals of officers and all necessary measures were taken. However, I, like every citizen, expect the Justice to do its job and identify the physical and moral perpetrators. The administration of justice is the only way to restore public trust.”

The Minister also made reference to the murder of the police officer Giorgos Lyggeridis:



“It was a tragic loss, an event that shocked the whole country. The perpetrators of this criminal attack are already in prison and the trial has begun. These two cases were the reason to re-evaluate the whole framework for dealing with sports violence.

In February 2024 we tabled a new, modern and innovative bill to combat sports violence. It is the first time we see visible and measurable results. The image on the courts has changed radically, both in football and basketball. It’s no accident — it’s the result of political will, boldness and collaboration with all stakeholders.”

We will never again allow lives to be lost for the color of a jersey. Sport is a joy, not a field of hatred.”

About the role of the DEAB:



“DEAB is our operational “weapon” against violence. It has been substantially upgraded, now has legal status and operational flexibility. It works directly with PAE, KAE, EL.AS. and sports federations. For the first time, the monitoring of the behavior of organized fans and their connection with the clubs is implemented in real time.

We are not here to ban teams or impose penalties for the sake of impressions. The goal is to prevent violence, not just punish it. DEAB operates with a plan, cooperates with PAE and KAE and produces measurable results”.