The president of the Greek Football League, point guard Evangelos Marinakis, resigned on Tuesday following various acts of violence that affected the sport in the country.
“I have neither the time nor the desire to continue to manage the League because the words of some members of the management do not correspond to their actions,” said the man in charge, who is also the president of Olympiacos, coached by Portuguese Carlos Carvalhal, and English club Nottingham Forest ”, in which Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares plays.
The 56-year-old leader’s decision was announced a day after the Greek government announced that soccer championship games would be played behind closed doors for the next two months, until February 12, in response to various forms of violence.
“I unequivocally condemn all forms of violence, both in society and in football,” Marinakis said in his resignation letter, adding that he is committed to ridding Greek football of the criminals who are killing it.
The latest incident of violence occurred on Thursday during a volleyball match between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, which left about 400 people detained and a police officer seriously injured.
Due to the current situation, the Greek Football League games scheduled for last weekend have been postponed to a date yet to be determined.
The postponement was announced on Friday by Greek league organizers after referees decided to go on strike earlier in the week to ensure safety conditions.