Four Key Topics Discussed at Meeting Between Grammenos, Vasiliadis and Fousek 

Deputy Minister of Sport Giorgos Vasiliadis met with the head of the EPO, Vangelis Grammenos and experienced Czech football administrator Petr Fousek last week, to discuss four burning topics surrounding Greek football. The discussion was in a good climate and lasted for over 2 hours.

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The first of these issues was something Greek football fans have been discussing for some time - the introduction of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee). The emphasis was on ensuring the implementation process would not be slowed down any further and it has been revealed that the installation process will be completed in approximately two weeks, as will the requisite procedures and training. However, it will not be used at all for the remainder of this season, rather it will be rolled out after the summer and ready from the beginning of next season.

Another burning issue that has plagued Greek football for decades in the form of hooliganism and violence at the games was discussed. Vasiliadis notified Grammenos and Fousek that sterner measures and punishments are on track to be implemented in the near future, once the legislative framework is has been passed in order to combat the growing issue of violence. This was also discussed alongside match fixing and corruption.

Additionally, the topic of a training centre with improved facilities for the Ethniki was examined. Grammenos revealed that the EPO has received funding from UEFA to the tune of 10 million Euro and is currently looking for land to acquire to build this new, purpose-built facility. The State will also be looking to make a financial contribution, if necessary.

Finally, the joint World Cup 2030 bid with fellow Balkan countries Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania was touched upon. It is still in preliminary negotiations, however, a new meeting has been scheduled for later this month.

Free Agent Deadline

The EPO has announced that the deadline for Greek clubs to sign free agents (unemployed professional footballers) on free transfers is Thursday, 14th of February. In a statement issued by Greece’s governing football body, an extension was announced according to FIFA Status and Transfer Rules (Article 6, Paragraph 1).

by Nick Tsambouniaris

Image Source: SportFM.gr

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