Andre Schembri could be on his way out of Olympiakos Volos after the Greek club were demoted to the amateur fourth division this week.
On Wednesday, the govern-ment-affiliated Professional Sports Commission ruled that Volos and fellow Super League club Kavala were to be demoted to the fourth tier for failing to prove that they had disassociated themselves from former owners Achilleas Beos (Volos) and Makis Psomiadis (Kavala), both banned from foot-ball for life for their part in a match-fixing ring.
The two clubs are expected to appeal the decision in front of the Greek high court.
If unsuccessful, their place in the top flight will be taken by Levadiakos Livadeia and Doxa Drama.
The case has swung back and forth all summer with Volos being expelled from the Europa League earlier this month by UEFA despite the Greek Football Federation’s decision to allow them back into the Super League.
The federation, in fact, overturned a July ruling to relegate Volos and Kavala to the second division for their role in the scandal although the appeals committee chose to punish the two clubs with a points deduction.
The government’s decision came just a few days after a visit to Greece by UEFA president Michel Platini.
The Frenchman met Prime Minister George Papandreou to discuss ways to stop corruption in Greek football.
During that meeting, Platini did not ask Papandreou for specific measures to be taken as talks were more centred on “a confirmation of the willingness of both sides to co-operate on the basis of how to clean up the sport and restore its credibility”.
Schembri, who has just started his experience with Volos said the latest ruling was completely unexpected.
“The news came out of the blue really,” the former Ferencvaros forward told The Times.
“We were unaware of all deve-lopments and I only learnt about the situation when out in the city Tuesday evening and saw the violent protests from Volos fans.
“The club has been battling to clean its name the whole summer but I’m afraid now it will be difficult to avoid relegation following this latest ruling.
“That leaves most of us players with no option but to seek a move elsewhere. With the team demoted all players on the club’s roster will become free agents. It’s a pity as I was starting to settle down nicely but I can’t see things changing.”
Since his summer move from Ferencvaros, Schembri was slowly establishing himself as a key member of the first team and also scored his first goal for Volos when netting the opener in the 3-0 win over Differdange in the Qualifying Round of the Europa League.
Schembri said that it is still early to say where his future lies but he has already been in touch with his representative to establish new contacts.
“I will not exclude the possibility of playing for another club in Greece especially now that I have just moved into my new flat,” Schembri said.
“Obviously, I will be keeping all options open. Next week, I will be in Malta to join the national team for the Euro qualifiers and I hope by that time I will have a better picture of where I will be playing next season.”