Hooliganism Declared a Social Issue as UEFA and Greek Prime Minister Unite to Combat Violence
Following the recent tragic incidents in Athens involving Croatian hooligans from Dinamo Zagreb and AEK Athens, UEFA President Aleksandër Čeferin met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to address the escalating issue of hooliganism. The two leaders held a joint press conference where they announced their unwavering determination to combat this societal cancer not only within football but in the wider community.
President Čeferin firmly stated, Enough is enough! We must put an end to hooliganism and eradicate this destructive force from society. His impassioned words were echoed by Prime Minister Mitsotakis, who emphasized their resolute commitment to prevent such terrible incidents from recurring. Mitsotakis highlighted that this was not a mere political statement, but a genuine pledge driven by their shared determination.
In a subsequent meeting with the relevant Ministers of Athletics and Order, as well as the owners of Greece’s four largest football teams, concrete measures were unveiled to tackle hooliganism head-on. One significant step involves the closure of organized fan clubs, with each team now allowed only one association that aligns with the official club. Additionally, the police will have increased control over the entry of organized fans into problematic sections of the stadiums.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis also announced the establishment of an observatory of violence in collaboration with UEFA and member states. This observatory will diligently document cases and individuals involved in violent incidents. Furthermore, integrated monitoring systems with advanced camera installations will be introduced across stadiums to ensure enhanced security. In necessary cases, stadium doors will be closed to organized fans, and severe penalties, including potential exclusion of Greek teams from European competitions, will be imposed.
Looking beyond Greece’s borders, Mitsotakis called for the cooperation of other European Union countries in combating violence in sports. These collective efforts aim to provide a comprehensive solution to the pressing issue of hooliganism, safeguarding the integrity of football and promoting a safe environment for fans.
The joint initiative of UEFA and the Greek government signals a groundbreaking collaboration in the fight against hooliganism. By tackling the root causes of this societal problem and implementing stringent measures, both parties are demonstrating their unwavering dedication to eradicating violence from the world of sports. The formation of an observatory and the installation of advanced security systems in stadiums highlight their commitment to comprehensive monitoring and prevention. With Greece’s Prime Minister urging the support of other EU nations, it is hoped that a united front against hooliganism will lead to a safer sporting environment for all.
