«We are all aware of the problems ravaging Greek football. We have hit rock bottom –and that is why need to face the situation with determination and fight the cause of these problems.

I am pleased to accept the proposal of SKODA Xanthi owner, Mr. Christos Panopoulos, as expressed yesterday, because I firmly believe that cooperation between owners could be a first step towards the solution. However there is a very important second step that needs to be taken in order to reverse the tides in Greek football: a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, where all club owners will commit to fair competition.

We all understand that it was tough for the Minister of Sports to decide the suspension of the Greek Cup, himself being a football-loving person. After all, we all love this wonderful sport and suffer from this decision. If Greek football were held under fair conditions, we would be looking forward to see the Greek Cup winner crowned after a spectacular final. If PAOK wouldn’t deserve that title, we would accept it, as we accept defeats in games held under fair conditions.

I would like to remind everyone that my proposal to Mr. Marinakis –before the Minister issued his decision- was to repeat the first leg with foreign referees officiating and holding the second leg under the same conditions. Otherwise, we would be forced to withdraw from the competition under the current circumstances».