May 5 – UEFA has ruled out the use of foreign referees in Greek Super League playoff matches over fears for their safety after a series of incidents. The decision was announced by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, who sent a letter to Panagiotis Baltakos,president of Hellenic Football, expressing his concern.
“Following our recent correspondence, I need to inform you that UEFA was deeply saddened and highly disturbed to learn about another incident concerning the abusive and violent behavior towards football referees delegated to officiate recent matches in the Greek championship ” said Ceferin in his letter.
“Despite our common efforts and in the light of recent events, UEFA has reconsidered its support of sending Elite and “A” category referees to officiate the games of Greek Super League 1 play-off matches and decided to cease such practice for the time being.”
Greek officials said the decision was unlikely to impact the remaining rounds of the league playoffs because referees had already been selected.
Greece has been plagued by chaos and scandal. Currently the Helenic Football Federation still cannot decide where to hold the final of the Greek Cup between AEK Athens and PAOK Thessaloniki because of safety issues.
See ‘Fraud’, fights and fury – Greek clubs, and their owners, play the same old games
Referring to the latest issues, Ceferin said: “These incidents go beyond the game of football, and we are genuinely grateful for your concern over the matter and all the relentless efforts of the Hellenic Football Federation and Greek Government to prevent such things from happening. However, at this moment, we must prioritise the safety of our match officials, who must be kept away from hostile and dangerous situations.”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1713552689labto1713552689ofdlr1713552689owedi1713552689sni@o1713552689fni1713552689