FIFA has warned Greece to "reinstate the Greek Cup, cancelled by the government in March because of crowd trouble at a game, or risk sanctions" against the country's football federation. The competition was called off after the first leg of the semifinal between PAOK Salonika and Olympiakos Piraeus was abandoned on March 2. FIFA and UEFA sent a joint letter to the Greek authorities on Friday "requesting they reverse the cancellation within two weeks, describing the decision as disproportionate." FIFA said in a statement, "In case of non-compliance, the relevant FIFA bodies would consider sanctions." Sanctions could include the suspension of the Greek federation, "preventing Greek clubs from playing in European club competitions while the national side would also be barred from playing" (REUTERS, 3/18).
Two people died and 54 were injured following "violent clashes between rival football fans" in Casablanca, Morocco. Video has emerged "showing brawls breaking out" between fans of Raja de Casablanca and Chabab Rif Al Hoceima. Groups of fans "are seen hurling flares at each other, while taking it in turns to charge at rival supporters" (London INDEPENDENT, 3/18).
Former FIFA VP Jack Warner scoffed Friday at reports that the new leaders of the global football governing body are "seeking to sue him, insisting FIFA owes him money." Warner: "I don't owe FIFA one nickel and I know that FIFA owes me, but we will deal with that in the fullness of time." Warner said that since his resignation in '11, he has not been paid a pension of $100,000 a year. Warner: "I don't even think the FIFA you're talking about is the FIFA I know" (AFP, 3/19).
