RLEF expels Greek Rugby League

The RLEF board has confirmed that it has formally expelled the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League (HFRL) from its membership after a four-month suspension period.

During that time the HFRL was asked to establish its membership and youth programme, comply with financial audit requirements, and answer allegations of misappropriation of funds and maladministration of the sport.

 The RLEF invoked Article 18 of its constiution on August 2, writing to the Greek governing body to inform them of their expulsion.

They requested that the HFRL withdraw from membership by August 9, and this was confirmed in writing by the Greeks.

In April 2016, the RLEF membership voted 33-1 in favour of the resolution to suspend the Hellenic Federation, for wilfully acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the overall governing body and international rugby league.

The RLEF also based its decision on a lack of satisfactory cooperation from the HFRL, which apparently failed to demonstrate sufficient will to resolve the situation.

The European Federation will continue to correspond with the General Secretariat of Sport in Athens to create a positive environment for rugby league to grow.

“Rugby league must demonstrate the very highest governance standards if it is to grow on solid foundations,” said RLEF general manager Danny Kazandjian.

“We extended every opportunity to the HFRL to work together to ensure a transparent, collaborative approach to governance but, regrettably, there was no reciprocal will.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm for the sport in Greece and we will continue to work with all parties who demonstrate a genuine desire to promote rugby league’s interests, in accordance with ours and the European Union’s standards of good governance.”