Panionios unlikely to receive 2019/2020 Super League licence

Panionios are close to securing their safety in the top flight, but due to not obtaining a Super League licence for the 2019/2020 campaign, they’re likely to begin next season with a six-point deficit.

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After 27 rounds, Panionios sit in ninth place of the Super League table, six points clear of the relegation/promotion playoff berth. However, in disappointing news for Panthers fans, the Nea Smyrni based organisation is unlikely to obtain a Super League licence for the 2019/2020 season thanks to outstanding debts. While that won’t prevent Panionios from participating in next season’s championship, it will mean that they begin the 2019/2020 campaign with a six-point deficit alongside these following transfer restrictions:

a)The team will be able to sign as many Greek footballers under 23 years of age as they like.

b) In the July-August transfer period, the club will be able to acquire ONLY ONE player over 23 years of age, Greek or foreign.

c) In the January transfer period, the club will only be able to sign ONE footballer over 23 years of age.

d) The team may only make two player contract renewals for players over 23 years of age, irrespective of their nationality. These updates can be made both in the summer or in January, or one in the summer and one in January.

The final decision concerning the matter is set to be announced in May.

Last year, Panathinaikos were hit with the same punishment, and the six-point deduction prevented the Athenians from making a realistic challenge for the top four positions of the Super League. Panionios, a club which has already has a modest squad, would immediately be plunged into serious trouble in the 2019/2020 season if a Super League licence isn’t obtained.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: sportfm.gr

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