Panathinaikos: One-match suspension for Vitoria from UEFA and a new fine.

Panathinaikos’ participation in this season’s European Cups came to an end on the evening of March 13 with their elimination by Fiorentina in the Round of 16 of the Conference League (losing 3-1 at the Artemio Franchi). However, fines from UEFA for the “Greens” continue.

Despite the fact that six weeks have passed since the second match against the “Viola,” UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body has imposed a new hefty fine on Panathinaikos, along with a one-year suspension—suspended—for Rui Vitoria!

During its meeting on March 24, the Disciplinary Committee examined the match in Florence and imposed strict penalties on Fiorentina (a fine of €53,250 and a “partial closure of the stadium for one European match, with a two-year suspension” based on Article 16/2b of the Disciplinary Regulations).

However, the case remained open, and on April 9, the observations recorded by the match observer regarding Panathinaikos were examined. The decisions were announced through the official website of the European football governing body on Wednesday, April 23, with Panathinaikos being fined a total of €51,250.

What raised eyebrows was the one-match suspension imposed on Rui Vitoria, not because he engaged in any inappropriate behavior or protests, but because in three different European matches with him as coach, Panathinaikos was noted by observers for late kick-offs.

UEFA is very strict about such matters; even if a match starts half a minute or a minute late from the scheduled time, the observers “attribute” the delay to the coach of the team that is considered responsible.

Panathinaikos and Vitoria were first “noted” in the match against Djurgården in Stockholm (November 7), the second in the home game against Helsinki (November 28, 1-0) accompanied by a €35,000 fine and a “warning,” and the third in the return match with Fiorentina (March 13).

In that match, aside from the supplementary fine of €40,000 imposed on Panathinaikos based on Article 11 (2) (h) of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations, a one-match suspension (with a one-year suspension) was imposed on the coach.

It’s worth noting that Rui Vitoria—given that it seems he will remain at the helm of Panathinaikos next season—will be sitting on the bench for the team’s first summer match in the qualifiers. However, if there is another noted late kick-off in a European match during the following year, with the “Greens” and him on the sidelines, the suspension will come into effect.

A similar suspended penalty was also given on September 23 by UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee to former Panathinaikos coach Diego Alonso for delays in match kick-offs during the summer qualifiers against Botev (home), Ajax (away), and Lens (home), along with related fines.

The fine imposed on Panathinaikos was the 10th this season from UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee (in qualifiers, league phase, and knockout rounds), having already paid a total of €330,000. In the previous season (2023/24), the “Greens” were penalized by UEFA’s disciplinary body for matches in the Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League group stage with nine fines totaling €464,500.