Panathinaikos not given league license

ISTANBUL

Panathinaikos is one of eight clubs in the Greek top flight to be denied licences to compete in next season’s championship, the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) has said.

All 16 clubs had their applications examined by the EPO’s licensing committee this week and while eight teams were given the green light, the other eight - including Athens giant Panathinaikos - have had their initial submissions rejected.

Those rejected have five days to appeal with Panathinaikos stating they remained confident of being granted a license.

“Panathinaikos produced full evidence... demonstrating its viability and guarantees for the present and the future,” the club said.

Aris Salonica, PAS Giannina, OFI Crete, Panionios and Panthrakikos were the other clubs rejected, along with relegated Kerkyra and AEK Athens, who had submitted applications before their demotion was confirmed.