Thanassis Tzilos

A 28-year-old soccer player was given until Monday to prepare his defense against the charge he was involved in the assault and injury of international referee Thanassis Tzilos last December in the central Greek city of Larissa.

The suspect, who turned himself in late last week after police issued an arrest warrant, plays for a team in Piraeus.

Police said on Wednesday they have identified two of four men linked to an attack on international and national soccer referee Thanassis Tzilos last December in the central Greek city of Larissa.

According to reports, police will issue arrest warrants in the next few days for the two men - aged 28 and 46.

Greece's Super League referees decided on Friday to end their strike and resume officiating the country's top division that will return to action on Saturday, January 12 after a forced three-week shutdown.

Olympiakos will return to Xanthi for a third time this season as it has drawn the local team in the round of 16 of the Greek Cup, while Panathinaikos will get the chance to avenge last year's elimination by Lamia.

FIFA referee Thanassis Tzilos who was beaten up by four unknown assailants outside his home on Wednesday was released from a hospital in Larisa.

Speaking to journalists after his release on Thursday, hospital director Panagiotis Nanos said doctors stitched Tzilos' head and leg injuries and will be re-examined on Friday by doctors, according to state-run news agency ANA-MPA.