Cyprus Football To Resume As Referees End Strike
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published January 20, 2020 | 11:40 PM
Nicosia, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jan, 2020 ) :Professional football matches will resume in Cyprus after referees ended a strike over a bomb attack against one of their members, authorities said Monday.
All games were postponed across all divisions at the weekend, following a bomb attack on a referee's car in the southern coastal city of Larnaca.
Referees ended their walkout after reassurances from the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) and Justice Minister George Savvides, during a meeting on Monday, that extra measures will be taken to protect them.
The bomb explosion on Friday damaged a car belonging to 33-year-old Andreas Constantinou and came as Cyprus is probing match-fixing allegations.
A Justice Ministry official will act as a point of contact for referees and anyone who may have information on match-fixing, Savvides told reporters.
He said a citizens' hotline will be available for anyone who wants to blow the whistle on fixed games.
Police will also provide increased security at games for referees who may feel they are under threat.
Last week, European football governing body UEFA sent notifications regarding five sets of suspicious betting trends in Cypriot football.
Chief of police Kypros Michaelides said an investigation into the notifications sent by UEFA is gathering pace.
Local media reported that UEFA has sent the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) a total of 84 notifications regarding match-fixing since 2011 with zero convictions.
Earlier this month, top-flight club Omonia Nicosia called on the European and world football governing bodies UEFA and FIFA to intervene against corruption in the local game.
Omonia wants UEFA and FIFA to investigate the matter and in the meantime suspend Cypriot teams from all international competition.
Omonia said in a statement it had "collected enough evidence over the years to persuade UEFA and FIFA to open a case about football in Cyprus".
Savvides urged clubs to come forward with their evidence to "end the silence" on match-fixing.
In the last five years, referees have staged three strikes following attacks on their members.
CFA boss George Koumas said he hoped that with government assistance "the championship will resume without any notifications of fixed games and without violence".
Related Topics
Recent Stories
President Biden writes letter to PM Shehbaz, expresses best wishes for newly ele ..
DC Larkana chairs meeting regarding Youm-e-Ali arrangements
Interior Minister visits FC headquarters Peshawar
One dies, 28 injured after passenger bus overturned
US Fed's favored inflation gauge ticks higher as fuel costs rise
IESCO notifies 2-day power suspension programme
Posters and logos exhibition held at SABS University
Ramazan Package enhanced from 7.5 billion to 12.5 billion rupees: Finance Minist ..
ICCI, CDA sign MoU for upgrading, maintaining public washrooms
Provincial minister attends solar product launch
Finance minister calls for fiscal discipline by reducing operational expenditure
Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb holds meeting with SBP Gover ..
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
2 days ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
4 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
5 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago