Ola Aina’s Nottingham Forest boss accused of match fixing and drug smuggling

The Nottingham Forest Chief appears to be in hot water after serious allegations were levelled against him

Greek shipping tycoon Evangelos Marinakis, who owns Nottingham Forest, the home of Nigerian duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, faces serious allegations in a London libel lawsuit.

Libel lawsuit stirs tensions

The lawsuit, initiated by Marinakis, accuses Irini Karipidis, chair of Greek Super League club Aris Thessaloniki, of orchestrating a smear campaign against him, which includes claims of match-fixing, drug smuggling, and shipping Russian oil in violation of sanctions.

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis | Imago Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis | Imago

Karipidis has denied these accusations, asserting her defence of truth in response to the claims, with her efforts, including a mobile billboard outside Nottingham Forest’s stadium, pointing people to a website containing damaging accusations.

Evangelos Marinakis at a Nottingham Forest match | Imago Evangelos Marinakis at a Nottingham Forest match | Imago

Karipidis argues that Marinakis retaliated against her after her brother, Theodoros, allegedly refused to fix a match between Aris and Olympiakos, another team Marinakis owns. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, and Karipidis claims Marinakis even issued threats toward her brother during the match.

Nottingham Forest owner denies accusations

Marinakis insists he has been falsely accused, with his lawyer stating the claims were made to generate negative publicity against him.

Evangelos Marinakis at a friendly between the two clubs he owns Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos | Imago Evangelos Marinakis at a friendly between the two clubs he owns Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos | Imago

The Nottingham Forest Chief’s legal team also accuses former Netanyahu aide Ari Harow of facilitating payments for the smear campaign.

Harow’s attorney, however, has filed to dismiss the allegations. As the case unfolds in London’s High Court, both sides hold firm on their claims, keeping Marinakis and Nottingham Forest in the spotlight for reasons that they would rather not be involved in.