POT Heraklis face Super League 2 exclusion after owner Stratos Evgeniou refused to pay over 200,000 euros owed to former player Ioan Bogdan Mara.
The decision follows a ruling by the Football Arbitration Court of the Hellenic Football Association that rejected the club appeal. The tribunal communicated its decision to POT Heraklis on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.
The court rejected by majority the motion by PAE POT Hercules to withdraw, review, renegotiate, and reopen the trial involving former professional footballer Ioan Bogdan Mara, upholding Decision No. 144/2023.
Arbitration Court Rejects Iraklis Appeal
In an official announcement, the tribunal confirmed the outcome of its meeting regarding the Greek club. "The EPO Football Arbitration Tribunal made the following decision at its last meeting. Rejects by majority the motion to withdraw, review and renegotiate the PAE POT. Hercules vs. former professional footballer Ioan Bogdan Mara and Decision No. 144/2023 of the EPA Football Arbitration Court," the statement said.
The ruling leaves the management of Heraklis, also known as Giraios, facing an immediate deadline to pay off debts to the Romanian player exceeding 200,000 euros. If the club fails to clear the debt immediately, it will be excluded from competing in the Super League 2 championship.
The rejection leaves the future of the Thessaloniki team threatened, as participation in the division depends entirely on settling the financial obligation established by the arbitration panel.
Stratos Evgeniou Refuses Debt Payment
Following the decision, POT Heraklis owner Stratos Evgeniou published an official statement on the team website confirming that the club will not pay the required amount. Evgeniou stated that the club stance remains unchanged despite the tribunal ruling, leaving Heraklis in a precarious position.
Evgeniou highlighted that the debt originated from a separate corporate entity operating more than a decade ago. "Following the rejection of the request of POT HERACLES, communicated to us today Wednesday, September 27, 2023, by the Football Arbitration Court of the Hellenic Football Association, for the resumption of the trial in the case of the former football player IOAN BOGDAN MARA, in a case in which our PAE with another PAE, which operated 13 years ago with a different VAT number, different headquarters, etc., I would like to remind you that from the first moment this issue arose, my position was clear to everyone that I will try to support the overall recovery and regeneration efforts of the team, but also that under no circumstances will I take on other people's debts, especially debts incurred 10 and 13 years ago," Evgeniou wrote.
Evgeniou emphasized his personal motives for running the club while rejecting financial responsibility for historical liabilities. "I play football because I love it and for NO other reason!!!" he stated. "I have my businesses, my family and my friends, I can live without them."
The club owner outlined the efforts made by management to restore Heraklis under difficult financial circumstances. "Together with my colleagues, I made great efforts to lead the team to where it really belongs, even under particularly adverse conditions in which we had to deal with many problems every day, especially problems of a not only financial nature which we never expected to be asked to solve," Evgeniou wrote. "Nevertheless, we put the team back on the Greek football map cleanly and honestly and started again. The expectations may be high, but it is impossible for me to live up to today's facts and current conditions."
Kavtanzoglio Stadium Venue Licensing
Alongside financial uncertainties, Heraklis face a venue crisis as Kavtanzoglio Stadium does not have a license to host matches. The non-licensing of their regular home ground leaves the Thessaloniki club searching for alternative facilities for their upcoming Super League 2 matches.
Club officials explored multiple stadium options across the region but encountered repeated obstacles. The solution of using Kilkis Stadium is not progressing because the venue does not meet required conditions. Attempts to secure other available stadiums throughout Thessaloniki resulted in negative responses from venue operators.
Heraklis also evaluated using the auxiliary field at Kavtanzoglio Stadium, which features stands capable of accommodating 900 spectators. However, club management rejected that option, leaving limited alternatives for home fixtures.
Current data indicates that the blue and whites will remain at Kavtanzoglio Stadium but will be forced to play their home games behind closed doors without spectators, depriving the team of support from their fans.
Apollon Pontou Deny Veria Assault Claim
In a separate dispute within Greek football, PAE Apollon Pontou issued an official statement denying a complaint filed by PAE Veria. The Imathia team alleged that Apollon coach Dimitris Kalaitzidis punched Veria official Sakis Voulgaris during a decisive match between the two clubs in Polykastro.
Apollon Pontou countered the complaint by calling the allegations false, slanderous, and completely fabricated. The club stated that legal staff will proceed in court to restore the truth and hold Veria accountable for damaging the image of PAE Apollon Pontos.
According to Apollon, PAE Veria began trying to provoke and dynamize the crucial fixture a week before kickoff. Apollon stated that Veria first raised doubts about the suitability of Polykastro Stadium, where Apollon has competed throughout the championship with official authorization from competent authorities.
Apollon also accused Veria of leaking reports to local media claiming Apollon refused to supply visitor tickets. Apollon clarified that regional licensing restrictions prevent the stadium from accommodating guest supporters.
The announcement noted that Veria requested a higher category referee for the match, implying Apollon did not desire fairness. Apollon stated that the refereeing performance during the match caused no major complaints from either team.
Polykastro Stadium Incident Details
Apollon addressed the specific confrontation involving Sakis Voulgaris at Polykastro Stadium, labeling the assault claims as deafening lies. Apollon stated that their squad arrived early at the venue and was present alongside local police officers when Voulgaris arrived.
Apollon claimed Voulgaris presented himself as visiting team manager without official documentation from PAE Veria confirming his status. The club stated Voulgaris provoked Apollon managers and coach Dimitris Kalaitzidis with inappropriate words and actions, prompting reactions from those present.
Following the encounter, Apollon representatives were told Voulgaris appeared injured and were asked to sue Kalaitzidis. Apollon stated Voulgaris subsequently watched the game from the stands before visiting Polykastro Health Center and police to submit a false report.
The club statement quoted a traditional proverb regarding the situation. "People say that the one who chokes on the hair gets caught and in the situation the nice team of Imathia is definitely justified… the above behavior!" the announcement read.
PAE Apollon Pontos confirmed that legal proceedings will be launched against those responsible for the complaint to protect the club reputation before the judiciary.
