RANDALL GIVES HIS SUPPORT TO REDS OWNER
EVANGELOS Marinakis “remains a fit and proper person to be the joint owner of Nottingham Forest” according to chairman Nicholas Randall, after reports that the Greek had been charged with drug trafficking.
Reports emerged last week that Marinakis faces charges after an investigation into a tanker that was carrying heroin in 2014.
But in an open letter to Forest fans, Randall has moved quickly to dispel any fears that Marinakis, 50, – who is maintaining his innocence – has been implicated.
“It was announced that an investigation would be opened into a drug smuggling case in Greece and an alleged link to Mr Marinakis,” wrote Randall.
“Contrary to misleading reports in the media, this matter is only at the stage of the opening of an investigation. There is no “charge” against Mr Marinakis and no “prosecution” is in process.
“Secondly, there has already been a criminal trial relating to that case which concluded some time ago.”
Marinakis – who also owns Greek side Olympiakos – was cleared of four separate charges in November, relating to being involved in a criminal organisation, fraud, extortion and arson.
On Monday, the Greek Supreme Court also cleared him of forming a match-fixing ring, although he may still face a bribery charge, and Randall insists he is the right man to lead Forest.
Randall added: “The facts are clear and beyond doubt: Mr Marinakis has never been convicted of any criminal offence in any court or tribunal in any jurisdiction in the world.
“I have no hesitation in confirming that I have no doubt at all that Mr Marinakis remains a fit and proper person to be the joint owner of Nottingham Forest Football Club.”