Greece's government and UEFA ready to “clean up” Greek football

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday and signed an accord to clean up Greek football, which has been marred by corruption, match-fixing, and other issues.

"We've taken a political decision to clean up Greek football for good and we are very much looking to your assistance in proceeding down that path," Greek PM Mitsotakis told UEFA chief Ceferin.

The declaration of intent signed on behalf of UEFA and the Greek government "demonstrates our commitment to make significant improvements and upgrading Greek football,” claims Mitsotakis.

UEFA intends to produce a report within three months on ways to improve the administration of Greek football.

Challenges include finding ways to fight the threat of match-fixing, corruption and doping as well as refereeing issues.

Match officials went on strike in 2018 and threatened a strike in January after attacks on referees and their homes and an attempt by Olympiakos to sue five referees.

“My meetings with the Greek football and government authorities have been constructive. We have held open discussions on all of the major issues concerning the situation in Greek football,” said Ceferin.

“Swift action is needed from all stakeholders - the national association, clubs, leagues, and government - to improve the image of football in Greece. If all the parties co-operate together, progress and improvements can be made in priority areas such as safety and security and the fight against match-fixing,” he added.

Mr Čeferin was accompanied on his trip to the Greek capital Athens by FIFA Vice-President Greg Clarke, UEFA National Associations Division Director Zoran Laković, and other high-level UEFA and FIFA officials.