FIFPro news
Cypriot and Greek players condemn threats of player
Thursday 26 August
Footballers in Cyprus and Greece expressed their support to Christos Patsatzoglou. The Greek and Cypriot professional footballers’ associations PSAP and PASP released a joint statement after the Greek World Cup player fell victim to a violent incident.
Patsatzoglou played two matches at the recent World Cup in South Africa. But the 45-time international had an unpleasant homecoming. The 31-year old defender/midfielder is under contract at Cypriot team AC Omonia Lefkosias, a team he joined in the summer of 2009. Last season, he did not play much n the Cypriot first division, because he was plagued by injuries.
When Patsatzoglou recently returned from South Africa he was also injured. He was not able to play for his club. Consequently, Omonia wanted to terminate the contract, but the player refused.
Shortly after, Patsatzoglou received serious threats from so-called fans, saying he had to leave Omonia, and Cyprus as well. Burglars broke into his house, where they sprayed their threats on the walls and also damaged his car.
Players in Greece and Cyprus reacted upset and worried. ‘We stand by our colleague. As players we might have some differences while on the field, but he is our colleague. We condemn each form of violence - verbal, psychological or physical - aimed at Christos Patsatzoglou.’
‘We urge the local authorities to thoroughly investigate this case, to identify the offenders and to set an example with a firm punishment.’
Meanwhile, Omonia and Patsatzoglou have come to an agreement. Both parties have terminated their contract, and the player moved back to Greece.
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