Saturday, May 7, 2011

Bonuses axed over Cup final violence

The government's latest campaign to stamp out hooliganism on Friday generated a decision by OPAP S.A. -- the state-run betting pools -- to withhold a 200,000-euro bonus to Super League Cupwinner AEK Athens.
    Runner-up Atromitos Athens and the football federation (EPO) will also lose money. 
   "(The bonus money) ... will be provided immediately as a donation for a charitable purpose, which the board of OPAP S.A. will determine with a new decision, choosing from the many and considerable appeals that have been submitted to the company," an announcement stated.
   The Cup final on April 30 was marred by hooligan violence, before, during and after the game.







(ANA-MPA)