Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos is a football (soccer) club from Greece.
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Panathinaikos Athlitikos Omilos (, ), widely known both as Panathinaikos or PAO, is the largest and most popular Greek multisport club, based in Athens, Greece. Panathinaikos throughout its history is considered as the most successful Greek sports club, as its teams and individual athletes have won numerous titles, more than any other club in Greece, notably in international competitions, such as UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup in football, or the Euroleague in basketball. In English language Panathinaikos's name would be
Pan-Athenian Athletic Club. According to the official history of the club, Panathinaikos was founded by George Kalafatis in 1908, when he and 40 other athletes decided to break away from Panellinios Gymnastikos Syllogos following Panathinaikos's refusal to form a football team.
Overview
Three professional teams use the
Panathinaikos name — the football (soccer)
team, Panathinaikos FC, the basketball team, Panathinaikos BC; and the volleyball team, Panathinaikos VC. These three teams operate independently.
Panathinaikos also features an amateur section whose chairman and board members are elected on a regular basis by members of the club. The current chairman is Thanasis Giannakopoulos. During its history Panathinaikos has established teams in 24 different sports. In the past Panathinaikos has also included teams in field hockey, team handball, Waterskiing and Judo. Among the more recent additions has been a synchronized swimming team, established in 1992.
In 2006, Panathinaikos reached a final agreement with the Athens and the Greek Government, to build a new comprehensive sports complex to house all of the clubs sports teams. This is intended as a replacement for the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium and it will be built in Votanikos area, about 3 km west of Athens city centre. Even though detailed plans and timetables have not yet been unveiled, construction is expected to start by the end of 2007. While it was originally expected for the complex to be ready by the end of 2008, in time to host celebrations for Panathinaikos's 100th birthday, Panathinaikos officials stated their intention to host the centennial celebration at the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium, team's historical home venue. Panathinaikos has always been the most popular Greek sports club, with a varying support of about 40%–45% among the sports fans in Greece. This equates to about three million Panathinaikos club supporters inside the country of Greece.
Football
Football (soccer) made its appearance in Greece at the end of the 19th century, but there was no official championship since it was considered a lacklustre activity. A young athlete of the sports club Panellinios Gymnastikos Syllogos, Yorgos Kalafatis, dismayed by his club's refusal to form a football team, founded Panathinaikos in 1908 with his older brother Alexander Kalafatis as team president. The name of Panathinaikos was initially P.O.A. (Podosfairikos Omilos Athinon), meaning "Athens Football Club".
In 1918 it was decided that the official color of Panathinaikos would be green(Instead of pink) so that the players' outfits would be standardized and Panathinaikos's emblem would be the shamrock, an idea of Michalis Papazoglou, a great athlete from Constantinople who played for Panathinaikos of Chalkidona, which had the same symbol. Panathinaikos had its third and final name change in May 15, 1924: P.A.O. (Panathinaikos Athlitikos Omilos - Panathinaikos Athletic Club).
In September 2001, IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics) voted Panathinaikos FC as World's Club Team of the Month
Panathinaikos was also one of the first clubs that formed a women team in 1980. This department is currently inactive.
The centenary crisis
Although Panathinaikos is celebrating its centenary, negative results over the years and some management decisions have created a crisis within the football team.
On April 13, 2008, a march from Panathinaikos fans took place starting at Pedion tou Areos and ending outside the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium, with the sole purpose of asking Vardinogiannis family to sell the club. It was advertised mainly through mobile phones and internet forums. The march was considered successful by its organisers with estimates ranging between 20,000 (police) and 40,000 (fans)
On April 22, 2008 the main shareholder of Panathinaikos FC, Giannis Vardinogiannis, announced on a press conference the decision of his family to reduce their share in Panathinaikos to 50%, for the first time since 1979 when the family took over Panathinaikos FC, through an 80 million € increase of the share capital.
Currently Vardinogiannis family owns more than 80% of the share capital, while Panathinaikos Athlitikos Omilos (Amateur Panathinaikos) holds 10% and the rest is spread to other shareholders. After the share capital increase, Vardinogiannis family would hold 50% of the club, Amateur Panathinaikos 10% and the rest shareholders 40%.
Although the prospectus describing the full terms of the share capital increase is expected to be published in mid-May,
Panathenian Unifying Movement responded immediately with a press release stating that Giannis Vardinogiannis' decision is on the right direction but the full terms should be clarified in order to ensure that the new ownership model would allow Panathinaikos FC to become a club that every fan dreams
(Honours: 41 titles)
- Super League Greece: (19)
- - 1930, 1949, 1953, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1977, 1984, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2004
- Segas Championships: (1)
- - 1911
- Greek football Cup: (16)
- - 1940, 1948, 1955, 1967, 1969, 1977, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2004
- Greek Super Cup: (4)
- - 1970, 1988, 1993, 1994
- Balkans Cup: (1)
- - 1978
- European Champion Clubs' Cup Runners-Up
- - 1971
- Intercontinental Cup Runners-Up:
- - 1971
- Doubles: (7)
- - 1969, 1977, 1984, 1986, 1991, 1995, 2004
Basketball
The basketball department is called Panathinaikos Basketball Club (Greek language name, transliterated into English: K.A.E. Panathinaikos A.O.), currently owned by two pharmaceutical magnates, the brothers Pavlos Giannakopoulos and Thanasis Giannakopoulos. It was founded in 1922 and has developed into the most successful basketball team in Greece and among the best in Europe. They have won 29 A1 Ethniki, 12 Greek basketball Cup, 5 Euroleague and 1 Intercontinental Cup (basketball) (also known as the International Championship).
Legends of world basketball have played with Panathinaikos (Dominique Wilkins, Byron Scott (basketball), Dino Radja, Dejan Bodiroga, Nick Galis, Panagiotis Giannakis, Stojko Vranković, Fanis Christodoulou, Antonio Davis, Zeljko Rebraca, Fragiskos Alvertis, Dimitris Diamantidis, Vassilis Spanoulis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius among others). Those players, along with the successful management of Pavlos and Thanassis Giannakopoulos, have made Panathinaikos one of the most successful and well-known teams in the continent, having won four Euroleague titles.
On April 1996 in Paris final-four (F4), Panathinaikos was the first Greek team to win the European Championships (now called Euroleague), beating Winterthur FCB in a unique final tournament, by 67-66. In September of the same year Panathinaikos also won the Intercontinental Cup (basketball) (International Championship), prevailing by 2-1 wins over Olympia of Argentina (83-89, 83-78, 101-76). In 2000 in Thessaloniki F4, Panathinaikos were the Champions of Europe for the second time, beating Maccabi Tel-Aviv (basketball) 73-67 in the final. In 2002 in Bologna F4, Panathinaikos brought to Athens the most prestigious European trophy for the third time, beating hosts Virtus Bologna 89-83 in the final. In 2007 in Athens F4, Panathinaikos were crowned Champions of Europe for the fourth time, beating PBC CSKA Moscow 93-91 in what was probably the best Euroleague final ever.
Panathinaikos participated in the F4 of the Euroleague another four times: Tel Aviv in 1994 (3rd), Zaragoza in 1995 (3rd), Paris in 2001 (2nd) and Moscow in 2005 (3rd). Other significant successes are: the two participations in the semifinals of the Saporta Cup (1969, 1998), the course up to the semi-finals of the Champions' Cup for the season 1971-72 (eliminated by Pallacanestro Varese (78-70, 55-69). In the season of 1981-82, Panathinaikos participated in the finals of the Cup Champions' Cup of that time, eliminating consecutively PBC CSKA Moscow and BC Levski Sofia teams.
(Honours: 52 titles)
Men
- A1 Ethniki: (30)
- - 1946, 1947, 1950, 1951, 1954, 1961, 1962, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
- Greek Basketball Cup: (12)
- - 1979, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1993, 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
- Euroleague: (5)
- - 1996, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009
- Intercontinental Cup (basketball): (1)
- - 1996
- Triple Crown in Basketball: (2)
- - 2007, 2009
- Euroleague Final Four: (9)
- - 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009
- Doubles: (7)
- - 1982, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Women
- Greek Championships: (3)
- - 1998, 2000, 2005
- Greek Cup: (1)
- - 2000
- Double: (1)
- - 2000
Volleyball
Since the year of its foundation in 1908, Panathinaikos has been one of the first athletic associations that created a volleyball club in Greece. The first dynamic presence of Panathinaikos is dated in the years 1927 – 29 with many popular players of the time such as the historical member of the board Apostolos Nikolaidis (athlete) as well as players such as Aravositas, Gkoumas, Arg. Nikolaidis, Papageorgiou and Papastefanou. In the following years the interest for volleyball became less until before the 2nd Word War when Panathinaikos presented a powerful team with leader players such as Labrou, Vallidis, Momferatos, Tzoumanis, Proselentis, Lykouris, Kakridis k.a.
In the recent history, the volleyball club has demonstrated many titles and honors due to the fact that Panathinaikos roster has always included some of the leading volleyball players. The first and most popular generation of players of 60’s was Andreas and Nikos Bergeles, as well as Iliopoulos, Leloudas, Chasapis, Emmanouil, Perros and Fotiou who opened the road for the next generations. The most important achievement of Panathinaikos was the participation in the final of the CEV Top Teams Cup in 1980 with players such as Georgantis, Agrapidakis (current team manager), Koliopoulos, Iliopoulos, Papadopoulos, Malousaris, Gkountakos, Astras and Kokkinaras. The following years Panathinaikos team has continued to dominate the Greek championship with players such as Kazazis, Tentzeris, Gontikas, Galakos, Dimitriadis, Margaronis, Karamaroudis and Andreopoulos.
One of the most successful periods were also the seasons 1994-95 and 1995-96 where Panathinaikos won two championships in a raw with Stelios Prosalikas as head coach and Andreopoulos, Triantafillidis, Filippof, Spanos, Hatziantoniou, Oyzounof, A. Kovatsef, P. Kovatsef, Karamaroudis, Mavrakis, Konstantinidis, Zakynthinos, Koutouleas, Tonef as players.
Today, after a difficult period for the team, Panathinaikos reached the top again. The administration, the coaching team, players, fans and supporters acted as the biggest guarantee for the cause but most important the long-lasting history which «condemns» our club to be an eternal leader. A look at club's trophies would be enough...
(Honours: 50 titles)
Men
- Greek Championships: (18)
- - 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1995, 1996, 2004, 2006
- Greek Cups: (5)
- - 1982, 1984, 1985, 2007, 2008
- Super Cup: (1)
- - 2006
- Cup Winners Cup Runners-Up
- - 1980
- CEV Top Teams Cup Runners-Up
- - 2009
- Doubles: (3)
- - 1982, 1984, 1985
Women
- Greek Championships: (22)
- - 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
- Greek Cups: (4)
- - 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009
- Cup Winners Cup Runners-Up
- - 2000
- Challenge Cup Runners-Up
- - 2009
- Doubles: (3)
- - 2005, 2006, 2008
Amateur Sports Sections
Table Tennis
The Table Tennis department was founded in 1924
(Honours: 112 titles)
- Greek Championship Men Single: (30)
1930, 1931, 1940, 1951, 1954, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1959 Mantzaroglou, 1961, 1964, 1966, 1972, 1973, 1973 A Category, 1974, 1974 A Category, 1975, 1975 A Category, 1975 Mantzaroglou, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1986 A Category, 1987, 1988
- Greek Championship Women Single: (18)
1948, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1958, 1959 Mantzaroglou, 1959 Spring, 1972, 1972 A Category, 1973, 1973 A Category, 1974, 1974 A Category, 1976, 1976 A Category, 1976 Mantzaroglou
- Greek Championship Men Double: (21)
1940, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1968, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
- Greek Championship Women Double: (6)
1953, 1954, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
- Greek Championship Men-Women Double: (14)
1955, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1986
- Greek Club's Championship - Overall Standings: (7)
1951, 1952, 1955, 1956, 1959, 1961, 1962
- Greek Club's Championship Men: (6)
1959, 1961, 1962, 1966, 1968, 1974
- Greek Club's Championship Women: (3)
1972, 1973, 1974
- Greek Cup Men: (6)
1966, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1992
- Greek Cup Women: (1)
1969
Athletics (track and field)
The Athletics department was founded in 1919
(Honours: 59 titles)
- Greek Championship: (23)
1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1989, 1990
- Greek Indoor Championship: (4)
1986, 1989, 1990, 1994
- Greek Cross Country Championship: (25)
1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1996, 1997, 1998
- Greek Championship (Damen): (2)
1949, 1950
- Greek Cross Country Championshipn (Damen): (5)
1949, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
Cycling
The Cycling department was founded in 1928
(Honours: 51 titles)
- Greek Championship: (7)
1956, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1969, 1973
- Greek Championship (Street): (29)
1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1997
- Greek Championship (Velodrom): (15)
1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990
Boxing
The Boxing department was founded in 1946
(Honours: 27 titles)
- Greek Championship: (26)
1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997
- Greek Cup: (1)
1988
Fencing
The Fencing department was founded in 1960
(Honours: 27 titles)
- Greek Team Championship: (11)
1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
- Greek Championship: (16)
1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980
Diving
The Diving department was founded in 1947
(Honours: 26 titles)
- Greek Championship (Men, 5m. board): (19)
1952, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981
- Greek Championship (Men, 3m. board): (6)
1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976
- Greek Championship (Men, Total Standings): (1)
1965
Archery
The Archery department was founded in 1981
(Honours: 15 titles)
- Greek Championship (Men and Women): (5)
1992, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
- Greek Championship: (5)
1992, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
- Greek Championship Standard Bow: (1)
1993
- Greek Championship Women: (4)
1992, 1983, 1985, 1986
Swimming (sport)
The Swimming department was founded in 1930
(Honours: 13 titles)
- Greek Championship: (13)
1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968
Shooting
The Shooting department was founded in 1928
(Honours: 9 titles)
- Greek Team - Championship: (8)
1960, 1964, 1992, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1991
- Greek Military Championship: (1)
1948
Chess
The Chess department was founded in 1959
(Honours: 8 titles)
- Greek Championship: (7)
1964, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1976
- Greek Cup: 1
1972
Weightlifting
The Weightlifting department was founded in 1959
(Honours: 6 titles)
- Greek Championship: (6)
1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969
Pentathlon
The Pentathlon department was founded in 1978
(Honours: 2 titles)
- Greek Championship: (2)
1980, 1987
Wrestling
The Wrestling department was founded in 1965
(Honours: 2 titles)
- Greek Championship: (2)
1982, 1984
Gymnastics
The Gymnastics department was founded in 1962
(Honours: 1 title)
- Greek Championship: (1)
1972
Water Ski
The Water Ski department was founded in 1963. It is currently inactive.
Honours: 1 title)
- Greek Championship: (1)
1968
Futsal
The Futsal department was founded in 1990. It is currently inactive.
(Honours: 1 title)
- Greek Championship: (1)
1991
Water Polo
The Water Polo department was founded in 1930
(Honours: None)
Team handball
The Handball department was founded in 1930. It is currently inactive.
(Honours: None)
Field Hockey
The Field Hokey department was founded in 1928. It is currently inactive.
(Honours: None)
Judo
The Judo department was founded in 1980. It is currently inactive.
(Honours: None)
Synchronized Swimming
The Synchronized Swimming department was founded in 1992. It is currently inactive.
(Honours: None)
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