EuroLeague Announces Latest Disciplinary Sanctions for 2025-26 Playoffs Incidents

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary decisions related to incidents that occurred during the second game of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Playoffs.

EuroLeague Playoffs, Game 2
Euroleague Basketball has communicated the following sanctions issued by the Independent Judge in relation to incidents that took place during the second match of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Playoffs:

Mike James, player for AS Monaco, has been sanctioned with a fine of €6,000 and a one-game suspension for his conduct following his ejection during the match between Olympiacos Piraeus and AS Monaco, in accordance with article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code. The suspension is conditionally suspended and will only be applied if the player commits a new infraction, in accordance with article 8 of the Disciplinary Code.

Valencia Basket has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000 for objects being thrown by its fans during the match between Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, in application of article 29.2.g) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.

Dimitris Giannakopoulos, majority shareholder of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, has been sanctioned with a ban from entering the venues where Panathinaikos plays during its next three EuroLeague games, in addition to a fine of €10,000, for his conduct during the second playoff game between Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, in accordance with article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.

Euroleague Basketball also wished to clarify several aspects related to the sanction imposed on Giannakopoulos.

The organization opened a disciplinary procedure at the end of the match based on the incidents reflected in the official report and in the referees' reports.

The Independent Judge, responsible for ensuring the impartiality and independence of the disciplinary process, evaluated all available information and issued his ruling within 24 hours after the end of the game, as established by the competition regulations.

In his ruling, the Judge found it proven that Giannakopoulos accessed a zone reserved exclusively for the scorers' table during the game, thus violating the restricted access regulations in the playing area.

Although infractions related to access to restricted zones are classified as minor offenses within Euroleague Basketball regulations, the Judge also took into account that Giannakopoulos's actions contributed to creating a situation susceptible to causing tension and possible episodes of violence. Additionally, the recidivism of the Greek official was considered.

Euroleague Basketball reiterated its firm rejection of any behavior that could promote violence or that goes against the fundamental values that the competition defends.

The organization also announced that it will propose to its shareholders a review of the corresponding articles of the Disciplinary Code with the objective of toughening sanctions for the 2026-27 season, including specific and more severe measures that could even reach lifetime bans for certain conduct. The objective is to eradicate behaviors that damage the image of the competition and the participating clubs.

Finally, Euroleague Basketball highlighted the high competitive level shown by both the competition and the participating teams during the first two games of the Playoffs and reaffirmed its commitment to continue offering a unique basketball experience during the rest of the series and the Final Four.