In a high-stakes move, Deputy Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis made it clear on SKAI 100.3 that tomorrow’s crucial meeting could determine the fate of the season — and he’s standing firm on the government’s position.

With Dimitris Giannakopoulos eager to attend, Vroutsis pushed the ball towards the Angelopoulos brothers, emphasizing that this initiative targets only the current season. He also reassured that legislation is already in the pipeline to prevent similar incidents in the future — a clear message that the league’s integrity must be protected.

Initially, Vroutsis confirmed Giannakopoulos’ intention to participate and noted there’s no update yet from Olympiacos. “Mr. Giannakopoulos informed me he wants to be part of the meeting we’ve called as a government to tackle toxicity. We haven’t heard from the Angelopoulos brothers yet,” he said. But he didn’t shy away from the tough stance: if only one side shows up and claims they shouldn’t bear the consequences, that team won’t be exempt.

“It’s a reasonable question, but the government has already addressed it,” Vroutsis asserted. “Tomorrow at 15:00, we’ve invited the owners of both clubs. If all owners don’t show up to this call to combat a phenomenon that discredits our sport, destroys teams, and disappoints fans — then we pull the plug, and the championship will be suspended.”

Asked why the government doesn’t consider holding closed-door finals like in football after the Lygeridis tragedy — when arenas were packed — Vroutsis explained: “We did that in football, and then implemented a new law with immediate results for both basketball and football, including unprecedented measures. Just four days ago, Swedish police visited us, mimicked our system, and praised our approach to tackling sports violence. So why not do the same now? Because we need a strong shock — three games before the end, when no one has the right to spew venom.”

Vroutsis revealed that a bill with supplementary provisions regarding officials’ conduct is already moving through Parliament. “We’re not just postponing the problem for next season; we’ve already taken proactive steps. The events last Sunday didn’t just pass — cameras are active, police have all the footage, and the DEAB is processing reports. By week’s end, there will be updates. We’re going beyond the law to eliminate toxicity — a gesture of good faith,” he stated confidently.

He outlined what he expects next: “We want a joint statement of ethical commitment — a pledge that the season will end without incident. Once it’s over, I remind you, there’s a bill in Parliament that will precisely define how we’ll handle behaviors and penalties.”

Finally, Vroutsis reasserted the warning: “The league will be suspended if both sides don’t show up. I urge the Angelopoulos brothers to attend as well. This isn’t about disagreements — it’s about reaching a common statement to finish the season, satisfying fans, and preserving the sport’s integrity. I’ve never said anyone who doesn’t show up will be punished — but the sanctions will affect both clubs and the sport as a whole. This is a personal call to the top executives of Europe’s leading teams, who are risking the reputation of their clubs and their fans.”