Olivier Kapo Reveals Harrowing Experience with Death Threats During Time in Greek Football
Olivier Kapo, the former France international now playing for Polish side Korona Kielce, has shared a chilling account of the dangers he faced during his time in Greece. The ex-Levadiakos midfielder revealed that he narrowly escaped death after receiving death threats linked to a match-fixing attempt while playing in the Greek Super League.
Kapo described how, ahead of a key match, he was approached at his home by individuals connected to illegal betting syndicates. These men demanded he deliberately receive a red card to influence the outcome of the game, promising to share the betting profits in exchange.
“The president summoned me the day before the match to ask if I had accepted the deal,” Kapo recalled in an interview with So Foot. “I told him I was a fair player and would not take part in corruption. I told him if he thought I was corruptible, I would leave the club.”
Instead of backing down, the club president allegedly threatened the player and his family with dire consequences. “He said: ‘You won’t go anywhere because I’m going to kill you, along with your wife and children. You won’t see your family again.’”
Despite the threats, Kapo stood firm and played the match — which Levadiakos lost. “I went home safely, but I think the president’s threats were meant to intimidate and test the players,” he said.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Kapo expressed disbelief at the state of football in Greece compared to his experiences in other countries. “It’s dramatic. This isn’t football anymore. It has nothing to do with what I saw in France or England,” he said. “Even Africa is in a better situation when it comes to football integrity.”
Kapo’s revelations shed light on the darker side of Greek football, where match-fixing and corruption have long plagued the sport. His bravery in speaking out underscores the pressure players can face and highlights the need for stronger protections and reforms in leagues vulnerable to such abuses.
The former Auxerre star’s time in Greece will undoubtedly remain a painful chapter in his career. Yet his decision to expose the threats signals a call for transparency and a warning about the dangers footballers can face off the pitch.