A street attack in Thessaloniki
Kampanos and two friends were outside an apartment building in the Harilaou district when a group approached and asked which football team they supported. Prosecutors said the attackers were supporters of rival club PAOK while Kampanos and his friends supported Aris. Kampanos was beaten and stabbed in the upper thigh and died from blood loss; his two friends were also injured.
The prosecution
Twelve defendants went on trial in Thessaloniki. On July 6, 2023, a mixed jury court unanimously found all twelve guilty in connection with Kampanos' killing. Seven were found guilty of manslaughter with possible intent after the court reduced the original premeditated-murder charge, while five were convicted as accomplices.
Sentences
The court imposed life imprisonment on seven defendants, along with additional prison terms. The remaining five received lengthy fixed sentences. The case became a national reference point in debate over organized football violence, but the criminal process did not end with the first judgment.
Appeal still pending
Appellate proceedings have been delayed. On November 3, 2025, the Thessaloniki court postponed the appeal trial to October 23, 2026 after defense lawyers sought an adjournment. eKathimerini reported that the defendants were serving sentences from the first trial. Because the appeal has not yet been completed as of August 23, 2026, the archive labels the case adjudicated with an appeal pending.
Sources and further reading
Case context
Kampanos' killing is documented here as a homicide connected to football-fan violence. The legal status is intentionally precise: there are twelve convictions and sentences, but the scheduled appeal means the final appellate posture can still change.