Cyprus Football To Resume As Referees End Strike
Faizan Hashmi Published January 21, 2020 | 12:00 AM
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
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
G7 hears calls for 'critical' Ukraine aid
EU seeks to leverage might to confront China, US challenge
5 Customs officials martyred as their vehicle ambushed by terrorists in D I Khan
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
NHA restores traffic on roads affected by recent rains in Balochistan
China to fully support Pakistan's efforts against terrorism: Ambassador Jiang
U.S. envoy calls on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
Poland arrests man over suspected plan to kill Zelensky
EU wants to ease youth movement to and from UK
Police foils attempt of supply mainpuri raw material
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
4 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
7 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
11 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
18 days ago