VAR set for use in Greek Cup final, OAKA likely to be empty



It appears likely that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be used in the 2018/2019 Greek Cup final, but there is a high possibility the game between AEK and PAOK will be played behind closed doors.

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Every year, the Greek Cup final causes the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) an almighty headache, as rival fans have the rare opportunity to both support their respective teams inside one stadium. This season, AEK and PAOK will meet in the showpiece final for the third consecutive year, but reports in the media have predicted that the match will be held inside an empty Olympic Stadium. The game is scheduled to be played on May 11 in Athens.

In 2017, disgraceful clashes were witnessed between AEK and PAOK fans both outside and inside the Panthessaliko Stadium in Volos, with kick-off consequently being delayed. Last year’s final at the OAKA took place without any major incidents, but the EPO is not willing to take the risk of any trouble occuring again. The threat of possible expulsion from FIFA and UEFA has hugely influenced the organisation’s thinking.

Initially, the police allegedly revealed that they would be able to ensure a safe final with each club having 15,000 fans at the OAKA, but this has since been denied by Deputy Greek Minister of Culture and Sport, Giorgos Vasiliadis. AEK and PAOK had voiced their desire to have supporters at the game.

However, if the situation doesn’t dramatically change, it seems the game will be played behind closed doors. The only spectators allowed inside the OAKA will be those granted with special invitations, a scheme which was previously used for the 2016 Greek Cup final contested by AEK and Olympiacos.

A final decision on the matter will be taken next week.

VAR SET TO BE USED

It appears VAR will be used in the 2018/2019 Greek Cup final.

As previously reported on AGONAsport, the EPO had been in contact with FIFA concerning the possibility of using VAR in the match, and various sources have stated this will now happen.

Sport FM also revealed that VAR will be trialled in the upcoming Panathinaikos - Panetolikos Super League game in preparation for the Greek Cup. VAR has never been used in a top flight match in Greece.