Greek League suspended after alleged arson attack on referee's home

The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) announced Wednesday all national league and cup competitions have been suspended, after the home of the head of its referee committee, Giorgos Bikas, was damaged in an alleged arson attack.

"Following an extraordinary meeting, the EPO announces its decision for the suspension of all national football championships until the conclusion of the investigation into the causes of the fire by the fire services," the EPO said in a statement, as published by The Guardian. "The EPO expresses its full compassion to Mr Giorgos Bikas, whom we will support in every way possible."

Neither Bikas nor his family were at the property during the fire, with Bikas’ wife having left hours before the attack to visit their son in Salonika, a nearby city. Bikas' house suffered "major damage," according to The Guardian.

Panathinaikos chief executive Christos Panagopoulos agreed with the EPO's decision, adding that incidents like this highlight deeper problems. There is currently an investigation into organised crime surrounding Greek football, and Panagopoulos argued the league should be suspended until the resolution.

"We simply cannot sit and watch houses of people being burned to the ground and talk about football," Panagopoulous said. "Even if the courts decide in 2020 (on the probe into the criminal group), let’s wait and start the championship again then."

While the suspension sees the Greek league currently on hold, it does not affect the Greece national team's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina, nor any Europa League matches involving Greek teams.