Galery

1

A black cloud is hanging over the Greek sports federations in the beginning of the new year. A reason for this are the rumors that appeared about a upcoming serious cut in the budget provided for sports in 2010. Even though there are no exact figures about what percent of the expenses for sport will be cut it is already certain that in some cases the cut may reach up to 50%. If this really happens it will lead to a disaster in the Greek sport. The best proof about what is the reaction to the upcoming lack of money is the statement of the president of a federation – “we will give them back their keys and go home.”

The ghost of poverty, which the sports federations are fighting with, threatens even the preparation of the athletes for the upcoming Olympic games in London. The forecasts for this preparation are really pessimistic as on one side the government has some suggestions that the rest of the money which was promised to the federations should not be paid, which practically means that the amount of 22 million Euro will be stopped. According to the arrangement the federations had to receive this amount setting it aside for the preparation of the athletes for the Olympic games. The information about the budget cuts was confirmed by Panagiotis Bithikotsis and according to his words January 15th is the approximate date when the budget for the federations in the new year will be announced.

Having in mind the insecure day of tomorrow the contracts which the sports federations are signing with coaches and partners are currently for three months only.