The president of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) Giorgos Girtzikis clarified that he does not intend to resign from his post and blamed the government for the prospect of a football ‘Grexit’. In an interview for Arena Press Mr. Girtzikis revealed that he has been pressured “to the point of blackmail” in to step down.
Earlier in the week FIFA issued a warning to the Hellenic Football Federation, arguing that the Greek national teams and clubs will be expelled from all FIFA and UEFA competitions, unless the Greek Football Cup resumes.
According to the EPO chief, the Minister of Sport Stavros Kontonis is responsible for the situation and threat of a ‘Grexit’, since he is the one who suspended the Greek Football Cup and refuses to resume it. Mr. Girtzikis added that the decision to resume the cup must be made by the 14th of April, otherwise it will be too late and “FIFA does not joke around”.
When asked whether he believes that the Sports Minister will back down, the EPO chief responded that he did not know, but estimated that “there will be a major problem for Greek football” should the Minister remain adamant.
