More changes to Super League 2 announced
The newly-formed Super League 2 will see two teams promoted and two teams relegated, it has been confirmed following a recent general assembly meeting of the 12 clubs who will take part in the championship for the 2019/20 season.
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Greece’s new second division, which replaces the former Football League following recent restructuring, kicks off on the weekend of September 15 and will consist of a playoff and playout format.
And it has now been decided that two teams will be promoted to the top flight, Super League 1, with two teams also being relegated to the Football League (Greece’s third tier), through playoffs (1-6) and playouts (7-12).
The final verifications will be made by the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) in its general assembly which will take place on July 24. Before then, a delegation is expected to meet with the new Deputy Minister of Sports Lefteris Avgenakis.
Super League 1 “snag”
However, there is a potential clashing point ahead between the top flight, the Super League 1 and their Super League 2 counterparts. The top division is set to introduce automatic relegation for one team, plus a playoff-playout between the 13th-placed team and the team that finishes second in Super League 2, which the latter is likely to disagree strongly with.
It remains to be seen if any counter-proposals are made, but EPO will have the final say on July 24.
A cloud hanging over TV broadcasting rights
All of the above actually getting set in motion still depends on the burning issue of broadcasting rights, with the ball firmly in state broadcaster ERT’s court.
The clubs are demanding ERT make good on their promise for a contract, as was the deal stated by then deputy Minister of Sports, Georgios Vasiliadis, and the 12 Super League clubs have requested an urgent meeting to sort out the matter immediately.
With the recent change in government taking place on July 8, the situation remains uncertain. The TV contract offered by ERT though is seen as key to providing the necessary funds to the cash-strapped clubs to help finance the upcoming season.
Sanctions for clubs without licenses
Meanwhile, to add more intrigue to the chaos, three clubs in the Super League 2 will have to field players under 23 years old for the next two seasons after failing to obtain the necessary license due to financial problems.
The teams sanctioned by the league authorities are Apollon Larissa, Apollon Pontou, and Ergotelis, while Kerkyra will start the new season with three points deducted after breaching further financial rules.
