Panathinaikos Confident of Licence Appeal’s Success

Greek football club Panathinaikos are confident that the Hellenic Football Federation’s (EPO) decision to deny the licence of themselves and seven other clubs from next season’s Superleague will be overturned.

As well as Panathinaikos , Aris Salonica, PAS Giannina, OFI Crete, Panionios and Panthrakikos have all had their licence aplications rejected.

A Panathinaikos statement said: “It was with much surprise that we were informed of the EPO’s licensing committee decision regarding the new season.

“Panathinaikos produced full evidence… demonstrating its viability and guarantees for the present and the future. The club has taken all the necessary steps in recent months as requested by UEFA and the relative institutions in order to present a complete file for our application. Panathinaikos is confident that its appeal will be vindicated by the appeals body.”

The news follows Saudi Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announcement in January that his offer the buy the club had been withdrawn. The princehad offered to invest €28 million ($36.3m) in return for a minimum of 67.5% of club shares and the replacement of the board of directors. He also said he would provide €150m ($194.6m) for a new stadium and €40m ($51.9m) in transfer funds for the financially troubled club.