Greek federation snooped on players: FIFA-appointed body

Athens (AFP) – Greece’s crisis-hit football federation spied on the national side’s players and staff over several years using hidden cameras and listening devices, said a committee appointed by FIFA.

Late last year world governing body FIFA appointed the normalisation committee to run the Greek federation (EPO) and to revise regulations to bring them into line with FIFA standards.

On Monday the committee accused EPO of monitoring employees, players and coaches in what it called “a heavy blow” to Greek football.

“The committee with anger, deep disappointment and with the feeling of shame makes public and hands over to judicial authorities new findings confirming the operation by EPO of mechanisms to monitor its employees at EPO headquarters as well as international players and national coaches at the training centre, which were placed for several years,” a statement said.

Private investigators hired by the body revealed photos of cameras and phone-tapping equipment.

The committee brought in the investigators after allegations from EPO staff that they were being watched and recorded.

EPO did not make any immediate reply to the allegations.

The statement from the committee added: “These findings are a heavy blow to Greek soccer and it is a point of honour and in the best interests of each party involved in Greek soccer not to remain silent and allow any cover-up.”

The main task of the committee is to revise the relevant regulations to bring them into line with FIFA standards and to organise fresh Greek soccer federation elections by May 31 at the latest.