SPORTS

UEFA, FIFA warn Athens over soccer Grexit

UEFA and FIFA said on Wednesday they have sent a final warning to Greece that it faces suspension from international soccer for government interference.

The Greek government wants to pass laws punishing violence at sports events, including imposing fines and threatening to cancel matches.

Soccer’s governing bodies have strict rules protecting their member federations’ independence to run their own affairs.

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino says a joint letter with FIFA was sent to the Greek government on Wednesday.

Infantino hopes the threat «will make them reconsider their actions, so we can still work together to resolve the issues affecting Greek [soccer].”

Teams and officials from suspended countries cannot take part in international matches and meetings.

In 2006, FIFA briefly suspended Greece, the then European champion for government interference.

[AP]

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