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Cash-strapped AEK braced for UEFA hearing

Cash-strapped AEK, who have been seeking new investors for several months, were embarrassingly forced to have their Super League match against OFI Crete postponed twice this weekend as they were unable to secure tax clearance for the issuing of tickets.

The club faces a UEFA disciplinary hearing on Thursday over its troubled finances.

"As president of the supporters' club I can tell you that nothing of the sort has crossed anyone's mind, while as a member of the executive board I assure you that something like that has not been discussed - not even as a joke," Makis Kasnakidis told Greek radio station NovaSport FM.

He added: "As a fan I would be ashamed if something like that happened. It would not be the team I loved any longer."

AEK's fate in terms of potential sanctions could be more severe than those imposed on Thessaloniki club PAOK last month.

According to Greek media reports, the club must find four million euros before Thursday's hearing in order to avoid heavy penalties.

It is not known when AEK's match with OFI Crete will take place as all next weekend' fixtures have been postponed by the Super League in protest at a new government sports law and the delay by state-run betting compnay OPAP in signing up to sponsorship commitments.