Vasiliadis refusing to budge on Super League reconstruction
Yesterday, Super League club representatives held a meeting with Deputy Greek Minister for Culture and Sport Giorgos Vasiliadis, but they didn’t get the result they wanted with the latter refusing to budge.
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The restructuring of the Greek club football system is turning into a real mess. Last year, the decision was taken to change the dimensions of the league structure in Greece, with only 14 teams set to compete in the 2019/2020 Super League and the creation of the new Super League 2. However, with the summer fast approaching, clubs are still protesting against the proposed format.
As requested, Vasiliadis participated in a meeting with representatives of Super League clubs on Wednesday, but before it had taken place, he had clearly stated that he would not discuss the reconstruction issue.
Nevertheless, that was predictably the specific matter which teams wanted to talk about.
Despite coming under pressure in the meeting, Vasiliadis completely refused to back down from his firm stance, stating that the decision is final and 14 clubs will play in the 2019/2020 Super League. The Super League 2 becomes the second tier, while the Football League transforms into the third and the Gamma Ethniki is the fourth level. This season, three Super League clubs suffer automatic relegation, and the team in 13th place will compete in a relegation/promotion playoff against the second best Football League side. Twelve teams will participate in the 2019/2020 Super League 2.
A new legislation in Greek law will be made in order for the creation of the Super League 2 to be approved. On Thursday, Vasiliadis sent a draft amendment to the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) and gave them until April 5th to respond and make suggestions. With or without the EPO’s response, the amendment will make it to Parliament where the Super League 2 will officially be created.
According to reports in the media, Super League representatives now want to meet with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in a last-gasp attempt to ruin Vasiliadis’ plan, but it remains to be seen whether he agrees to discuss the matter.
State broadcasting company ERT will reportedly set a combined budget of 5,515,200 euros for the 12 clubs which will play in the 2019/2020 Super League 2, meaning teams in the championship will receive 460,000 each in terms of television revenue.
