Greek basketball club Olympiacos has publicly shared a letter sent to the EuroLeague, raising important questions about the selection process for the 2026 Final Four host city. The club expressed concerns over a potential bid from Athens, asking for greater transparency from the league’s management ahead of a key decision-making meeting.
The main issue for Olympiacos is the lack of clarity surrounding the bid. The club is questioning the use of a third-party agency, the potential for conflicts of interest, and the need for a full financial breakdown of the proposals. By releasing the letter, Olympiacos aims to ensure that the process is fair and that all member clubs have the complete picture before a vote is cast.
🧐 Concerns Over a Third-Party Mediator
A significant part of the letter focuses on the involvement of an agency called KINGBET MEDIA, which was reportedly hired to mediate between the EuroLeague and the Greek government. Olympiacos questioned why a mediator was necessary and how this particular agency, primarily known for sports betting content, was chosen. The club also asked for details about the contract, the services provided, and the justification for what they described as an “excessive and unreasonable” fee of 400,000 euros.
🤔 A Question of Roles and Influence
Olympiacos also raised concerns about the role of Goran Sasic, the Executive Director of the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board (EHCB). The club asked whether he was involved in promoting the Athens bid and, if so, whether he was acting in his official capacity. This line of questioning points to a potential conflict of interest, especially regarding whether his involvement is linked to the EHCB being granted free use of the OAKA Stadium for a conference in 2025.
📊 Seeking Financial Clarity
To make an informed decision, Olympiacos has requested a detailed financial comparison between the bids from Athens and Belgrade. The club asked for copies of sponsorship contracts, including those related to the Final Four in Abu Dhabi, and a clear breakdown of estimated revenues and expenses for each bid. They specifically want to know if the costs for the Athens bid include a fee for using the OAKA Stadium, highlighting their push for full financial transparency in the selection process.
🗣️ A Call for Transparency
In their public statement, Olympiacos clarified that they are not inherently against Athens hosting the event but are committed to the principle of transparency. The club decided to publish the letter after feeling that the EuroLeague administration had not provided “any substantive answers” to their questions. They see this as a necessary step to uphold accountability and move away from “past practices” they had hoped were gone for good.
