Greek referees have threatened to boycott Super League and Greek Cup matches after a match official’s home was damaged by an explosive device on Sunday night.
Agona Sports reported that the referees would be meeting today at the offices of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) to decide whether they will officiate at 17th round Super League matches this coming weekend following the attack on the home of video assistant referee Angelos Evangelou.
Mr Evengelou had officiated at a controversial match between Volos and Olympiakos in which officials of both teams clashed during the game.
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Ekathemerini reported that Olympiakos representatives were aggrieved that match officials disallowed a goal and ignored a penalty appeal in the 0-0 match against Volos.
Senior Olympiakos official Savvas Theodoridis was reported to have been so incensed with the decisions made during the match that he is suing match officials for alleged bribery.
While the referees will be considering their options at the emergency meeting at 11am on Tuesday, the Super League issued a statement ordering that all games for January 4 and 5 be played on time.
“The Super League insists that the 17th round of the Super League championship be conducted as scheduled, and that the EPO must undertake all necessary actions within its capabilities to ensure the smooth running of all matches,” the Super League said in its statement.
Live Sport reported that the world governing body FIFA is considering suspending Greek membership until the problems have been sorted and that the Greek government itself was also considering taking action.
Meanwhile, speculation is heating up as the January transfer window is about to open with mcfcxtra.com reporting that both Manchester City and AS Monaco showing an interest in Greece and Panathinaikos Under-19 right back Georgios Vagiannidis.
Mediareferee.com reported that Scottish champions Celtic have sent scouts to look at Greek U21 player Giannis Bouzoukis. An attacking midfielder, Bouzoukis broke into the Panathinaikos first team in the 2017-2018 season. He has also been a target for Ajax Amsterdam, Villareal and Getafe.