Greek club chair gets 3-year ban from football

By Furkan Naci Top

ATHENS (AA) - Greek football club PAOK Chairman Ivan Savvidis has been banned from football for three years, it was announced on Thursday.

Greek Super League Disciplinary Committee announced the sanctions following the match between PAOK and AEK Athens on March 11.

The league's disciplinary body that banned Savvidis from football for three years also fined him €100,000 ($122,979) for his violent act during the match.

Savvidis, who appeared to be carrying a gun, stormed the pitch during the match against AEK Athens to confront the referee.

Accompanied by bodyguards, Savvidis had stormed the field in the 90th minute after a goal, which would have given PAOK victory in the top-of-the-table clash, was disallowed for being offside.

After the match, the Greek government decided to suspend the Greek Super League.

Greek Super League's disciplinary body also said AEK Athens won the match by default.

The committee added PAOK's upcoming three matches would be played behind closed doors; the club was also fined €63,000 (77,476).

Separately, PAOK's three points will be deducted this season and they will face two-point deduction next season in the league.

Greek Super League is expected to restart this weekend.