[ALBSA-Info] FIFA Announcement

[Agron Alibali]

FIFA asks Greek government to refrain from interfering
with football 

Zürich, 20 March 2001 - Following examination of all
relevant documents, having taken evidence from a
variety of sources and having received a report from
David H. Will, Vice-President of FIFA, on his visit to
Athens from 11 to 13 March 2001, FIFA has reached the
conclusion there is ample proof of past and ongoing
governmental interference in the affairs of the
Hellenic Football Federation (HFF). 
For this reason, FIFA General Secretary Michel
Zen-Ruffinen sent a letter dated 19 March to the Greek
football association, pointing out that an undertaking
from the Greek government will be needed to the effect
that it will immediately refrain from interfering with
the affairs of the HFF. This refers specifically to
the regulations passed by the HFF, football coaching,
disciplinary and appeal committees, removal or
suspension of members of the board and all matters
regarding referees and refereeing. All these tasks are
of the exclusive responsibility of the HFF. 

"It is an essential requirement of membership with
FIFA that a National Association must be totally
autonomous and independent of all outside
interference, whether governmental or otherwise", FIFA
President Joseph S. Blatter added today. "The heads of
state and government of the EU countries have
acknowledged this autonomy in their declaration on the
specificity of sport made at the summit in December
2000 in Nice and it is of crucial importance that all
parties concernced live up to this acknowledgement." 

In order to maintain the membership of the Greek
association, FIFA asks that Greek Sports Law be
amended to ensure the independence and autonomy of the
HFF. This undertaking has to be made by the Greek
government not later than 30 March 2001. Furthermore,
FIFA requests that the required provisions or
amendments to Greek sports legislation should be
carried out and be in place by 25 April 2001. 

In the event that this undertaking is not forthcoming
or the provisions or amendments are not made within
the deadlines indicated, then FIFA will be forced to
suspend the Hellenic Football Federation with
immediate effect from all international football
activities. 


###
Enquiries to be addressed to:
FIFA Media Office
Tel: +41-1/254 9800
Fax: +41-1/384 9696


FIFA Communications Division
Zürich, 20 March 2001

 


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