Olympiacos Athens, one of the potential opponents for Levski Sofia in the battle to enter the Champions League groups, suffered a heavy blow just before the start of the season. One of the team's leaders, Rafael Koumentakis, was sanctioned with a four-year ban from sports activities after the Greek Anti-Doping Agency (EECAN) found a prohibited substance in his sample.
🟥 Shock for the Greek champion
Koumentakis is among the most prominent figures in Greek volleyball over the last decade. Part of the national team and a key player for Olympiacos, he was a starting outside hitter, known for his stable defense and precise attack.
The decision by the anti-doping authorities, made a few days ago, means that the 32-year-old player is practically out of the game until he turns 36, which almost certainly ends his high-level career.
The sanction comes at an extremely delicate moment, as Levski Sofia could face Olympiacos in the next stage on the way to the Champions League groups, if the draw dictates it.
Although the Greek club has an impressive squad (the "Bulgarian son-in-law" Atanasijevic also re-signed with the club) and a serious budget, the loss of Koumentakis is a strategic problem.
