Greek football has been plagued by corruption, violence, and financial problems for years. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Panathinaikos president Giannis Alafouzos opens up about the difficulties the sport is facing and his determination to find a way through. The recent incident during the match against Olympiakos, where a Panathinaikos substitute was struck by a firework, is just another example of the troubles that have plagued Greek football. Alafouzos, who has been with the club since 2012, admits that he is not enjoying his role as president due to the immense challenges he has faced. He describes the culture of violence in Greek football, where fans become desperate and resort to violence when they feel games are being stolen. This, coupled with corruption, a struggling economy, and the dominance of one team, has led to a decline in attendance and sponsorship. Olympiakos’ consistent success in the league has created a financial disparity, with Panathinaikos struggling to compete. Alafouzos acknowledges the mistakes made in trying to emulate Olympiakos’ spending, resulting in a debt-ridden team. However, he remains optimistic about the future, highlighting the progress made in repaying the debt and rebuilding the team. The fight against corruption is ongoing, with the introduction of VAR and foreign referees helping to improve the refereeing standards. However, the battle against violence continues, with recent incidents involving ultras from Dinamo Zagreb and the tragic death of an AEK Athens supporter. Alafouzos emphasizes the need for the rule of law to be upheld and for those who break it to be held accountable. Despite the challenges, Panathinaikos is looking ahead to the future. Plans are underway to build a new stadium that will accommodate 40,000 fans and provide a modern arena for supporters. The club also aims to become self-sufficient and is investing in its academy and training facilities. While the road ahead may be tough, Alafouzos remains committed to finding a way through and restoring Greek football to its former glory.