Greece postpones start of football league

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) - Greek Minister of Sports Stavros Kontonis has postponed the start of the football Super League until September 5 due to fears of violence and disagreements among major football clubs and the Greek Football Federation, EPO.

In an official announcement, Kontonis said: “It is a fake league that is a total farce, which humiliates the country internationally and the responsibility belongs to EPO and those who support its illegal manipulation.

"The only solution in order to return to normality, legality and peace, about which the mandarins of Greek football don't care, is to postpone the opening day of the leagues."

The decision was based on the recommendations of the special Violence Response Commission (DEAV) and the Greek police, both of which recommended the postponement of the start of the Greek football league season, quoting security reasons that would put in stake the security of fans.

"In their recommendations, there are compelling reasons to protect the public interest and questions regarding breaches of public order, security and disruption of social peace," Kontonis’ announcement continued.

The minister and the federation have been in conflict for the past weeks after the recent decision of the federation to appoint referees on its own.

Last week, Greece’s top clubs -- Panathinaikos, AEK and PAOK -- said they would not participate in the league if the federation did not change its plans to control the selection of referees.