Greek matches suspended after suspected arson attack on referee's home

All national league and cup games in Greece have been suspended indefinitely after a suspected arson attack damaged a referee's home.

A statement from the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) said the cause of a blaze at Giorgos Bikas' empty holiday home in the Halkidiki area of northern Greece in the early hours of Wednesday morning was "suspicious".

The decision was announced by the EPO's temporary administrative board which also added that further action could be taken once the fire department issues an official report.

Neither Bikas nor any of his family were at the property, which suffered major damage, although his wife had left a couple of hours before.

"Following an extraordinary meeting, the EPO announces its decision for the suspension of all national football championships until the conclusion of the investigation into the causes of the fire by the fire services," read a statement.

"The EPO expresses its full compassion to Mr Giorgos Bikas, whom we will support in every way possible." 

The latest development comes a week after another member of the refereeing committee (KED), Giorgos Tsachilidis, was threatened by two men on his doorstep - an incident which led to the resignation of all three KED members.

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

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

Greece's World Cup Qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday is not affected.