World football body FIFA on Tuesday warned Greece that the cancelled Greek Cup competition must resume by April 15 or the country will be suspended from further European or international competition.

The ultimatum letter was sent to the Greek federation and Deputy Sports Minister Stavros Kontonis and follows an unsuccessful meeting between FIFA and European governing body counterparts UEFA with Greek officials last week.

At last week’s meeting Kontonis refused to rescind an earlier decision to cancel remaining Greek Cup matches because of the fear of violence.

FIFA and UEFA are in favour of the competition, which had reached the semi-final stage, continuing with foreign referees and in empty stadiums.