A north-south rift feared over abandoned soccer match

Divisions in the coalition over last Sunday's abandoned soccer league game between AEK Athens and Thessaloniki's PAOK were highlighted in Parliament on Thursday, amid speculation that the issue could also lead to a divide between the country's north and south.

Although the government has sought to downplay the backlash from Sunday, when PAOK president Ivan Savvidis stormed the pitch with a holstered gun, several lawmakers from Thessaloniki and from junior coalition partner Independent Greeks (ANEL) expressed support for the Greek-Russian businessman and for the popular northern club.

Many PAOK officials and supporters, as well as other clubs, have long claimed that the "Athens establishment" calls the shots at their expense.

A sports prosecutor on Wednesday took action against Savvidis, who faces a fine of at least 50,000 euros and a stadium ban of three to five...