Hüseyin Zeybek: "Government lacks a comprehensive plan for sports issues"
New Left MP Hüseyin Zeybek, representing İskeçe, criticized the government's sports law proposal, arguing that it focuses on increased police control rather than solving fundamental problems.
During his speech in Parliament, Zeybek pointed out the lack of preventive measures to promote fair play values among young athletes. He also highlighted that amateur sports clubs have suffered significantly under the current government, blaming its ideological biases for exacerbating their struggles.
While acknowledging some positive aspects of the law—such as earthquake safety inspections for sports facilities, accessibility for disabled individuals, simplified bureaucracy, and the introduction of fan health cards—Zeybek remained largely critical.
He argued that infrastructure issues are the biggest challenge in sports today, particularly in rural areas. Instead of addressing these concerns, he accused the government of privatizing major facilities like OAKA, SEF, Mikra, Kaftanzoglio, and ski resorts.
Zeybek also criticized the lack of financial support for amateur clubs, cuts to local sports budgets, and excessive bureaucracy that could lead to the dissolution of historic clubs over minor administrative issues. He further condemned controversial measures in motorsports, arguing that they enable cartel-like practices.
Additionally, he opposed the equating of professional and volunteer coaches, calling it a move driven by political interests rather than sports expertise.
Regarding sports-related violence, Zeybek accused the government of favoring major sports clubs while shifting all blame onto individual fans, imposing harsher penalties on supporters while reducing sanctions on teams.
He also criticized the eviction of fencing and archery federations from OAKA to privatize their facilities, and the forced relocation of gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, and athletics clubs from Agios Kosmas. He denounced the decision to convert a major volleyball facility into a space for smaller federations, questioning the government’s priorities and political motivations.
Concluding his speech, Zeybek rejected the bill, stating that it prioritizes political and business interests over the development of Greek sports.
