In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, Steve Bennett, who has been serving as the Head Referee for the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), submitted his resignation. The reason behind this move appears to be a dispute over the appointment of a match referee for the derby game between Panathinaikos and AEK Athens.
Bennett expressed his decision through a formal letter addressed to Panagiotis Baltakos, the President of EPO. In the letter, he stated his refusal to alter the appointment of a Greek referee for the aforementioned derby match. Baltakos, in his response to Bennett’s resignation, highlighted that the decision to step down was a personal one made by Bennett. He voiced his regret over the circumstances that led to this development, particularly since the disagreement was centered on the appointment of a match referee. The EPO president announced that he would be asking the Professional Football Committee to appoint a new Head Referee in the coming Wednesday. Bennett’s tenure as the head of refereeing has not been devoid of controversies. During his time in Greece, Bennett faced accusations of corruption from Olympiacos, a claim that prompted an investigation and subsequent apology from the referees committee. Despite these challenges, Bennett maintained a reputable career in the field of refereeing, recognized and respected for his integrity and adherence to the regulations set forth by UEFA and FIFA. While it remains uncertain who will fill Bennett’s shoes, it is clear that the new appointee will have to navigate the complexities and challenges inherent in Greek football refereeing. The task at hand will not only involve maintaining the integrity of the game but also managing the expectations and pressures from the various stakeholders involved.
Source: BNN
