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Greek federation suspends leagues after referee’s home burnt

Olympiacos FC v Xanthi FC - Greek Superleague

PIRAEUS, GREECE - SEPTEMBER 18: Olympiacos FC supporters celebrate a goal during the Greek Super League match between Olympiacos FC and Xanthi FC at the Karaiskakis Stadium on September 18, 2011 in Piraeus, Greece. (Photo by Louisa Gouliamaki/EuroFootball/Getty Images)

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ATHENS, Greece (AP) The Greek soccer federation has indefinitely suspended all league games after a suspected arson attack damaged a referee’s home.

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A federation statement says the cause of Wednesday’s blaze at Giorgos Bikas’ empty holiday home was “suspicious.” It says the federation will take further action once the fire department issues an official report.

Last week, Bikas had said that another senior referee was threatened outside his house by unknown men.

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Greek soccer has been plagued for years by persistent fan violence and allegations of corruption and match-fixing.

The government briefly delayed the start of the top division in September, arguing that a festering squabble involving the federation, league organizers and clubs posed serious security concerns.