Iraklis Withdraw Appeal, Place in Superleague Hanging by a Thread
Iraklis have withdrawn their appeal to obtain a provisional license to compete in next year’s Superleague and as of now, will be relegated to the Football League. If this stands, Levadiakos will avoid relegation and remain in the Superleague.
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After a great run at the end of the season, Iraklis avoided relegation with a good string of results. However, matters off the pitch look to send Iraklis down to the second division. The club faces relegation on two separate cases. First, they have not been granted a provisional license to compete in next year’s Superleague and second, they have been deducted three points for delayed payments to their former player Nikos Pourtoulidis. The three point deduction sends Iraklis below Levadiakos in the standings, meaning Levadiakos avoid relegation and Iraklis go to the second division.
Early Friday, The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) announced that Iraklis have withdrawn their appeal in regards to the Licensing Committee’s decision to not grant the club a provisional license to participate in the next season’s Superleague. At a first glance, it seemed as if the Giraios had given up their efforts to remain in the Superleague.
However, sources mention that Iraklis’ administration has something else in mind. The Thessaloniki club count on the fact that the current legislation does not impose relegation for teams that have not received a license. In such cases, according to the rules, a limitation on summer signings and contract renewals is imposed. Thus, Iraklis withdrew their appeal and will take this matter to EPO’s Arbitration Court.
For the time being, Iraklis are in a difficult position as both the Superleague and EPO have made it clear that unlicensed teams will be relegated. Everything is expected to clear out in the first ten days of June.
This of course is independant of the case regarding delayed payment to Nikos Pourtoulidis. Iraklis have kept their appeal regarding the three point deduction and if the Giraios win that case, then their fight to stay in the Superleague will come down to the decision of their provisional license case.
