Greek Superleague suspension upheld

The Greek league was suspended earlier in March, after a game between PAOK and AEK athens ended in pandemonium. PAOK had a late goal disallowed, and the home fans were extremely displeased at the decision. PAOK's owner stormed onto the pitch, accompanied by his bodyguards, and carrying a gun on his waist. 

Greece's sports minister, Giorgos Vasileiadis, suspended the Greek superleague indefinitely the next day, after meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. It was announced that the league would not recommence until a "new, clear framework" was established.

Clubs were due to vote on new rule changes on Friday, however Olympiakos, one of the biggest clubs in Greece, has refused to agree to the new rules, and the 16 teams in the league have called their own meeting for next Tuesday. This means that Friday's deadline will be missed, and the league will not restart until at least after the meeting.

The new rules consisted of four main points. Firstly, sanctions will be imposed on sides who are found guilty of violence, be it from fans, players or staff, and these sanctions will get more severe after repeat offences. This means that although clubs will be fined initially, they could receive points deductions or even relegation for repeated breaches of the rules.

Secondly, club officials will face bans if they make detrimental public statements about football issues, threats or allegations of corruption. Thirdly, more match-day security will be introduced at grounds. Finally, the the system of appeal would be changed, so that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) would become the channel for complaints.

Although PAOK have said yes to the changes, the club's owner said that "you are fooled if you think that these terms add greater credibility to the league"