G.Vroutsis: “The State fully respects the self-government of football”

The Deputy Minister of Sports, Yannis Vroutsisspoke to SKAI and the “Dekatians” about the implementation of Law 5085/2024 which was passed with broad consensus in the Parliament to deal with fan violence.

“We’ve all heard a friend or an acquaintance tell us that they would like to go to the stadium with their family, but they’re afraid! We want to stop this fear of the majority citizen. Let families go to the stadiums fearlessly and safely. From March 7, our country will have the most modern electronic surveillance system in football stadiums in Europe with the most modern high-definition cameras, while from April 9, when the identity measures will apply, we will know exactly the details of everyone who enters the stadiums us. Football is a celebration and should be treated as such. We know that the vast majority of public opinion is with us. The pitches will finally cease to be unripe vines“, pointed out the characteristic of the minister.

In response to a question about the rumored intervention of UEFA and FIFA, in the implementation of the Law on administrative measures on the PAEs, Mr. Vroutsis replied: “Let me make it clear that I am also reading what you convey to me, however it is all in the realm of information. What I want to emphasize is that we will not remain indifferent to the murders of young children and the violence that is hatched and sustained by tiny minorities in playgrounds. The State fully respects the self-government of football. It doesn’t matter to its core, it doesn’t interfere with the league, but only comes to apply administrative sanctions with the aim of preventing illegal behavior and respecting the safety of the fans. I am sure that FIFA and UEFA fully share and understand this. The duty and obligation of the State is to ensure legality and create a safe environment for the citizen».

Finally, to a question about him role of the police Mr. Vroutsis replied that he would supervise the observance of the measures but emphasized that: “This is a new era where, in the medium and long term, the measures we are taking now will create a completely new environment, where the PAEs, realizing the strictness of the Law, will contribute to the observance of its provisions, with the result that the police will gradually disengage».

Mr. Vroutsis also referred to opening of OAKA from next April, according to what has already been announced, emphasizing that it is back in operation thanks to the rapid restoration work and the excellent cooperation of the Government with the heads of the TEE and TAIPED.