GREEK FOOTBALL FEDERATION "BLACKMAILS" PLAYERS

                                 FIFPro supports the rights of Greek footballers to go on strike.

With a show of hands at FIFPro's annual congress in Amsterdam on Friday, delegates unanimously supported Greek union PSAP's right to strike.

The union called the protest after the Greek federation and leagues failed to implement a promise to create a fund to compensate players if their teams are demoted from professional leagues for financial reasons.

The fund would pay 15,000 euros per year to first-division players and 8,000 euros per year to second-division players.

Many Greek football clubs have been in financial turmoil because of the country’s extended economic crisis, leaving dozens of players unpaid and unable to meet their own obligations.

The strike called for next week (December 15-17) when there are cup matches is a measure of last resort by PSAP which has received support from national team players and sports minister Stavros Kontonis.

As the federation threatens to dock points if teams don't play matches, PSAP officials went to a meeting on Thursday to discuss the issue with Kontonis.

“We are completely within our rights to hold a strike,” PSAP treasurer Stamatis Syrigos said. “It is outrageous for the federation tries to blackmail us with docked points."

The agreement between the union, the league and federation to start the fund was reached two years ago. In May, PSAP gave the football authorities a June 30 2015 deadline to implement the fund.

Although clubs have already contributed 300,000 euros towards the fund, the federation and league have failed to sign the papers necessary to sanction it.

“The strike will go on for as long as it takes for the fund to become a reality,” Syrigos said.

He thanked fellow unions for their support.

"Having you by our side is exhilirating for us," Syrigos told the congress. "Thank you."

In the picture above (from left to right) are PSAGP Secretary General Konstantinos Poulios, FIFPro president Philippe Piat, Syrigos and FIFPro Secretary General Theo van Seggelen.

Below, congress delegates show their support to the Greek union.

11:53 AM