An urgently tabled amendment downgrading fines and penalties dealing with multiple ownership stakes in Greece’s pro football league was passed by a majority of 156 MPs in the 300-deputy parliament on Wednesday, with only deputies of ruling New Democracy party voting in favor.
Passing the amendment avoided the prospect of relegating PAOK Thessaloniki from the Super League, after a relevant pro sports committee ruled that PAOK’s ownership violated the league’s rules by owning a share in another first-flight club, Xanthi FC.
The latter side also faced relegation for failing to properly list its shareholders.
Nevertheless, with the new amendment, violations will carry a 5- to 10-point deduction from their current points tally, or have the deduction bumped to the next season.