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Athens, it's a complete mess and only after the CAS ruling things will hopefully clear up. Now, when CAS gets to the case is another issue all together. Originally I had read that Aris would not be allowed to sign new players for the pro team or the academies, bring in players on loan, promote players from their academies, sell players or resign them which is why my original post on this subject was about Aris having a 12 player squad for the upcoming season. Later on I read that players still under contract would be allowed to resign which of course gives these players major leverage. The whole thing makes no sense to me and is completely counter productive for everyone involved. Let's not even get into legalities, how does FIFA expect these players to get paid when you handcuff the team that owes them money? If Aris does not have the ability to make money not only will said players not get paid but more players will have the same fate if the team defaults again. Why not workout a payment schedule forcing Aris to pay a predetermined amount to FIFA every month which in turn spreads the money out to all parties until everyone is paid off? In the mean time have one of their own oversee the Aris accounting practices until the matter is cleared to ensure every penny is reported properly.

Based on how JVS has spoken in recent times I'd say it's looking unlikely they'll return, Sokratis especially given his age. Those 2 lads clearly have egos, not something foreign particularly in Greek football and the Ethniki. Now whether they change their ways and buy into what the NT is trying to build I don't know, I think Manolas is more likely given his age but then again he may just think it's not worth the hassle. It seems quite a few of the public in Greece have turned on them, and have linked our improved performances of late with their absence. Where there is smoke there's fire, they clearly where causing issues but at the same time no one can deny they are quality players who would be welcomed back with open arms if there was an attitude improvement. Unfortunately football isn't about just turning up, playing and going home. There is dynamics in the locker room, team morale senior players with a grudge can potentially poisoning younger generations. As much as I'd like to see it, I can't see them coming back anytime soon.

Nice to hear some Ethniki talk during this frustrating time. I was really looking forward to the friendly game vs Holland that would have been a tough test. I agree with the points regarding Staf, I appreciate his service but we have better options available. I am curious to see if JVS will bring Sokratis and Manolas back. I think he leaves Sokratis out but Manolas could get back in especially if we have to go up a top class side like Belgium in World Cup qualifying. Anyone know when they will conduct the World Cup qualification draw since the Euros are next year.

Tzatziki, I can make a video of myself and look like Vryzas in his prime ? The Aris guys will tell you, I am surprised they haven't already

Siovas has definitely been called up the last few times, he didn't play in the last matches v Armenia and Finland but he was in the squad. He played against Italy back in October. I do agree though, Stafylidis isn't a CB he was exposed against at best average opposition in Finland, I think we can get away with him there against the Armenia's of the world. The only thing that gives me some optimism that JVS knows this is that against Italy (quality opposition) he went with two traditional center backs Siovas and Xatzidiakos. COVID19 will probably mean Xatzidiakos doesn't miss any NT matches and is back to full fitness whenever international football returns.