Dirty TacklePanathinaikos struggling to pay electric bill, told to play during daylight hours
The effects of economic disaster on all levels of Greek football (and most other aspects of life) continues, this time with one of the country's biggest clubs, Panathinaikos, behind on their electric bill. Panathinaikos have been renting the 69,618-seat Olympic Stadium from the state since 2008 (and off and on before that), but financial struggles have left them unable to keep up with the electric bill, leading to calls for them to start playing their matches during the day.
From Reuters:
In an open letter to the Greek Super League, Hellenic Football Federation and television broadcaster Nova, the stadium's management team head Peter Galaktopoulos said the club had not met the minimum financial obligations.
Galaktopoulos suggested the club play during daylight hours so that it would not be charged the cost of electricity for lighting.
However, the proposal is unlikely to be adopted as the majority of the club's home games are scheduled for prime television evening slots as part of an agreement with Nova.
Panathinaikos are considering a move back to their own, smaller stadium, the Apostolos Nikolaidis next year, but until then they might want to consider hooking up the players' stationary bikes to power the lights at their current home.
Previously in Greek football economic issues: Super League team travels 17 hours by bus for match, Brothels become shirt sponsors for amateur club, and AEK Athens skip hotel stay to raise money