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Panionios remains in Basket League

After an intense week and after many rumors spreading around concerning Panionios relegation to the second division, the story concluded today since the Committee of Professional sports accepted the team’s demand to be part of Basket League next year.

Despite the positive conclusion of the story, it was a very tough month for the Greek team because throughout the summer no one got in charge of the team after Ilias Lianos – ex-chairman- resigned, and as a result the team was in debt that could not pay. Lianos appeared to be in touch with many investors but there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Last week Lianos appeared in front of the Greek Basketball Association asking for 10 more days to complete the folder that needs to be provided before the deadline. Giorgos Vassilakopoulos denied the extra time, meaning that Panionios was relegated and Kavala B.C. took the spot.

From that point on, all Greek Basketball fans (and many across Europe) stood against this decision claiming the team’s reputation and contribution to the sport. Many big personalities have honored the team with their presence such as Thodoris Papaloukas, Panagiotis Giannakis (both as player and as a coach), P.J. Brown, Fanis Christodoulou and of course Boban Jankovic, but also the team is among the top 4 of the division for many decades, being part of it since 1974. For the lovers of history, it is worth to mention that Panionios Basketball club was founded back in 1919 in Smirni, and it is one of the first in the Greek Nation.

Taking all that in consideration and adding to Ilias Lianos presence in the Committee of Professional sports’ office this morning with the complete folder, it was decided that the team from Nea Smirni will remain in the top Division, with 4 votes in favor and 3 against.

This was the first step for them, but now they have to do what they do best all these years, produce talents, play attractive basketball and remain competitive in the league.

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