Panathinaikos seek to overide UEFA decision

Ibrahim Sissoko (L) celebrates with Giorgos Seitaridis, Yohei Kajiyama and Toche of Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos announced Thursday that they will seek a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reversal of a UEFA decision not allowing them to play in the Europa Cup next season.

The UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) earlier Thursday decided not to allow the Athens club to play in European competition as they did not fulfil the conditions set out by the CFCB.

“Panathinaikos informs their fans that unfortunately the team did not receive a licence to participate in European competitions next season. UEFA accepted the positions and proposals of the Greek football federation,” the club said.

“We still believe that our file is complete and sufficient and for this reason we will claim our participation in the Europa League resorting directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”

CFCB also announced that one other Greek Super League club, PAS Giannina, was also denied the opportunity to play in the Europa Cup and thus Xanthi, the next team in line, will replace both Panathinaikos and PAS Giannina.