Will Greece Defend Their Title?

At the moment FIFA have banned Greece from international football because they believe the Greek Government are dictating the way the game is run in the country.

The Greek Sports minister obviously wasn't content to let this happen so he has amending a proposed law which would allow the Hellenic Footbal Federation to run independently but have not state financial support.

The FIFA decision not only prevents the national team from games but also Greek club teams from playing in the Champion's League etc. Furthermore, Athens is due to host the Champions League final.

And it's getting a tad heated down in Greece: HFF chief Vassilis Gagatsis earlier said that "The sports minister is playing with fire. It is time for decisions. Not only has the government not delivered on their promises but they have continued to do worse. There are no modifications, only bad intervention. We accept the laws of the state, but we need to keep our independence."

But the Sports Minister retaliated by saying that unless the HFF was more democratic funding will be removed.

For once I agree with FIFA Prsesident, Sepp Blatter when he said "This will be an alarm which I am sure will be listened to. In my opinion it is more a clash of personalities than people acting in the bad interest of football."

Update: On Wednesday 12th July FIFA overtuns Greece's suspension. The game that was scheduled to be played against England on 16th August can now go ahead.
Picture: AP