Eight clubs handed point deductions in Football League

Eight clubs in the Football League were handed point deductions by the Hellenic Football Federation’s Primary Licensing Body.

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There was a major shakeup in the Football League on Friday as eight clubs were handed three-point deductions by the Hellenic Football Federation’s (EPO) Primary Licensing Body. Apollon Larissa, Apollon Pontou, Ergotelis, Irodotos, Iraklis, Kassiopi (Kerkyra), Sparti, and Aiginiakos, failed to meet the required criteria/obligations for the first stage of licensing and as a result, were each deducted three points from this year’s Football League table.

Doxa Dramas, AE Karaiskakis, AOX Kissamikos, Volos NFC, Panachaiki, Platanias, and Trikala ‘passed’ the primary licensing process and were not deducted points.

The point deductions will not affect Apollon Pontou, Ergotelis, and Kerkyra as they were out of the running for second place and are still assured a place in next year’s second division (Super League 2) while already relegated Sparti and Aiginiakos will not be troubled by the developments.

On the other hand, the point-deductions will have major repercussions for Apollon Larissa, Iraklis, and Irodotos.

Apollon Larissa drop to third

This development is extra painful for Apollon Larissa as their hopes for a second place finish took a major setback. The Thessaly club came away with an impressive 1:0 victory over Platanias in matchday 29 to jump ahead of the Cretans and into second place, but their efforts have gone to waste as the three-point deduction moves Apollon Larissa back to third with 51 points.

Platanias are second on 52 points with one match remaining at home to Iraklis while Apollon Larissa will travel to now relegated Irodotos (see below). Apollon Larissa hold the advantage in a possible tiebreaker with Platanias.

The Football League’s second place side will compete with the Super League’s 13th placed club in a promotion/relegation playoff for a spot in the 2019/20 Super League.

Iraklis need a miracle to remain in second division

Despite a late push to remain in the Greek second division (Super League 2) for the new season, Iraklis will likely be relegated to the third division (called the Football League). The three-point deduction sees Iraklis drop to 11th in the standings with 39 points, one point behind 10th placed AE Karaiskakis. According to the new Greek football structure, 10th place is the final safety position to ensure a spot in next year’s Super League 2.

With AE Karaiskakis holding the tiebreaker over Iraklis, the Thessalonikis must defeat Platanias in Crete on the final matchday and hope AE Karaiskakis do not defeat an indifferent Trikala side. Iraklis’ task at hand seems a tough one as Platanias are second in the standings and will look for all three points to ensure their second place finish and a spot in the Super League promotion/relegation playoff.

Irodotos relegated, Trikala to remain in Football League

After their three-point deduction, Irodotos will officially finish 13th in the standings and will be demoted two divisions to the Gamma Ethniki for the new season. Irodotos now sit on 28 points, four behind 12th placed Trikala, with just one match remaining.

Trikala, on the other hand, were not deducted three points and will compete in next year’s Football League (third division) and avoid the two-division drop.

by Sarantos Kaperonis

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