SPORTS

FIFA decides to lift ban on Greek soccer

FIFA has lifted its suspension of the Greek soccer federation after the Greek Parliament approved an amendment to its legislation relating to sport. The moves means Greece’s friendly against England at Old Trafford in August can go ahead and that Greek clubs will be eligible for European competition. FIFA imposed the ban because the original sports law gave the government too much say in running Greek soccer issues, notably the setting up of the new Super League and the election of federation officers. The federation said it had given its approval to a revised sports bill that was passed late on Tuesday night by the Greek government. «In view of this amendment, the FIFA Emergency Committee deemed that the [federation] is now in a position to respect the statutes and regulations of FIFA as well as those of UEFA,» FIFA said in a statement. «As a result, the suspension previously imposed on the Hellenic Football Federation has been lifted as of today.» Vassilis Gagatsis, the head of the the federation, greeted the FIFA decision warmly. «A new page is opening for Greek soccer and it will require a huge effort from all of us to achieve progress for the sport,» he said. «In this effort, we need everybody and we should all work together, in unity and do whatever is humanly possible so that our soccer is further enhanced and receives international recognition.»

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