Greek football teams avoid isolation after government Cup backdown

Greek teams should avoid international isolation by FIFA and UEFA after the government backed down on its decision to cancel the Greek Cup on Friday. Deputy Sports Minister Stavros Kontonis last month took the radical measure of cancelling the Cup after a fiery semi-final turned nasty, a move which angered the Greek federation, FIFA and UEFA. FIFA and UEFA both warned Kontonis that the country would be suspended from international and European competition if the Cup did not resume, which is standard procedure when a government is perceived to be meddling in football matters. Kontonis finally lifted the ban after receiving assurances from FIFA and UEFA that they would take an active role in restructuring and modernising Greek football. He said that the semi-final matches would be played behind closed doors and the final itself in front of students with free entry. The Greek FA announced after Kontonis lifted the ban that the semi-final matches between AEK and Atromitos, two Athens clubs, would be held April 20 and 26. The remaining semi-final second leg from the match which sparked the row between defending champions Olympiakos and PAOK will be held on April 27. The first leg was abandoned in the 89th minute as Olympiakos led 2-1 when PAOK fans invaded the pitch and dozens of flares and smoke bombs were thrown from the stands. This led to Kontonis taking the radical stance of cancelling the Greek Cup altogether. Olympiakos were later awarded a 3-0 win, while PAOK were fined 100,000 euros, docked three points from the Super League standings and ordered to play three matches behind closed doors. The final will be played at the Athens Olympic Stadium on May 7.