Greek football hangs in the balance

League will not start

The future of Greek football hangs in the balance after the rift between the country’s Football Federation (EPO) with FIFA, UEFA and the Greek government sports authorities. In the latest developments, 3 members of the EPO board stepped down after consulting with constitutional expert Nikos Alivisatos, who made it clear that their position was indefensible after their decision to unexpectedly call off the scheduled meeting with FIFA, UEFA and the reps of the Greek football clubs. Although their resignations was a positive sign, making some to hope the start of the football league would be achieved, Deputy Minister of Sports, Stavors Kontonis clarified through media leaks that the league would not start unless the three other members of EPO’s board also resigned and the matter of the referee roster was solved. The six members of the football federation are facing charges of felony regarding their involvement in the football players’ health card.

The sudden decision by the Greek Football Federation (EPO) to postpone the scheduled meeting between representatives of FIFA,  UEFA and the teams, Tuesday morning, on the matter of when and under what circumstances the Greek football league will start has caused the discontent of the FIFA and UEFA reps. EPO’s refusal to adhere the recent agreement for an overhaul in the system of how Greek referees are appointed and its arbitrary replacement of proper judges from the football league’s judiciary body has caused a rift between it and UEFA and FIFA, who in an unprecedented move sided with the Greek government and against one of their members. Some board members of EPO are under immense pressure to step down, as they have been involved in felonious charges by the Greek courts regarding their involvement in the issue of the football players’ health cards. Meanwhile, Deputy Sports Minister Stavros Kontonis and UEFA rep Costakis Koutsokoumnis are confident a solution will be reached that will allow the new football season to start on time.