Trial Set for Nottingham Forest Owner Over Libel Claims Amid Match-Fixing Allegations
A significant legal battle is unfolding as Evangelos Marinakis, owner of Nottingham Forest FC and Olympiacos, prepares for a High Court trial against Eirini Karypidou, the chair of Aris. The trial is scheduled to begin on March 8, 2027, centering on Marinakis's libel claim regarding several serious allegations, including match-fixing and involvement in a drug trafficking case, all of which he vehemently denies. Marinakis is also suing Ari Harow and Sheyaan Consulting Limited, accusing them of orchestrating a smear campaign that disseminated defamatory claims through social media and other platforms. Claims arose from various sources, including: Three articles on nottinghamforestfire.co.uk in November 2023 Social media posts on X in December 2023 YouTube videos titled "Marinakis Match Fixer" and "Marinakis Drug Smuggler" Mobile billboards around the City Ground on match days In a recent ruling, Mr Justice Johnson acknowledged that the allegations had a defamatory meaning and resulted in serious reputational harm to Marinakis, who seeks damages between £1 million and £5 million. However, the judge clarified that this ruling does not determine the outcome of the case. Karypidou's legal team contends that the allegations are true and served the public interest, arguing that they stem from a conflict during a match between Olympiacos and Aris in the 2022-23 season. Karypidou's lawyer, Matthew Hodson, suggested that the social media campaign's impact was minimal and there’s no evidence of actual harm to Marinakis’s reputation. This complex case, marked by intense accusations and a backdrop of rivalry, is set to unfold further in the coming years.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-05-20