Soccer-CAS overturns PAOK's seven-point deduction

Greek side PAOK were handed a lifeline in their pursuit of Champions League qualification when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a seven-point deduction on Friday. The court also confirmed Xanthi's seven-point deduction remains in place as they did not appeal against it.

Greek side PAOK were handed a lifeline in their pursuit of Champions League qualification when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a seven-point deduction on Friday. PAOK were adjudged to have broken the Greek football federation (EPO)'s ownership rules by having a stake in league rivals Xanthi FC.

The court upheld PAOK's appeal and referred the case back to the EPO, who must deliver a fresh verdict. The temporary decision restores PAOK to second place in the Greek top division behind newly-crowned champions Olympiakos, with three rounds to play.

Olympiakos are guaranteed a spot in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, while the runners-up enter the second qualifying round of the Europe's elite competition. "The CAS panel found that, notwithstanding its power to decide the case itself, it was not appropriate to render a final and binding decision in such circumstances, with major consequences for Greek football," the court said.

Olympiakos had also lodged a complaint against the EPO's decision, asking for harsher sanctions to be imposed on PAOK and Xanthi. The court also confirmed Xanthi's seven-point deduction remains in place as they did not appeal against it.