Greek tragedy as FIFA slaps on international suspension

FIFA has suspended European champions Greece and its member clubs from international competition because of government interference in the sport.

World governing body FIFA said the Hellenic Football Federation broke rules on “the independence of members and decision-making in each country”.

It means Greek clubs and officials are banned from European competitions.

And it jeopardises Steve McClaren’s first game as England boss — a friendly against Greece on August 16.

The suspension will be in place with immediate effect and until further notice, according to a FIFA statement.

FIFA said that it had issued several warnings to the Hellenic Football Federation to guarantee, by a July 15 deadline, that the running of football in Greece would be free from political movement but this had been ignored.

In particular, FIFA cited a proposed new Greek law on professional football leagues in the country that “constitutes another example of interference from the government in football affairs”.

Therefore, the statement added: “the FIFA emergency committee has determined that this suspension is necessary”.

Under the suspension, the likes of AEK Athens, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos will not be allowed to compete in the Champions League or UEFA Cup next season.

The Football Association’s director of communications Adrian Bevington said that he would seek clarification on the matter to find out if England’s friendly against Greece at Old Trafford could go ahead.