Greece were today handed a World Cup lifeline when FIFA ruled they had three months to prove there is no more Government interference in the Greek Football Association (EPO).
FIFA had threatened Greece with expulsion from the remainder of World Cup qualifying but EPO's written assurances delivered last week to the world governing body has given them a stay of execution.
The reprieve for the Greeks means that England's Group Nine World Cup qualifier in Athens on June 6th will go ahead as planned.
Had the Greeks being suspended and the games they have already played been declared void then England, currently second in the group, would have gone top at the expense of current group leaders Germany, who have beaten the Greeks twice.
EPO spokesman Michael Tsapidis said: "We are glad to announce that FIFA have decided that there will be no international ban for Greece.
"The matter will be the subject of ongoing negotiations over the next three months between the Greek Football Federation (EPO), the Sports Ministry and FIFA, during which time a solution will be found."
FIFA confirmed the decision in a statement which said: "The imminent suspension of the Greek FA from international football activity has been averted with the signature of a joint declaration by the Greek Government, the Greek FA and FIFA.
The statement added that the three parties would negotiate "within a deadline of three months starting from the publication of this declaration."
FIFA added that "All decisions regarding potential sanctions against the Hellenic Football Federation are put on hold for the duration of the mentioned deadline of three months."
Blatter said: "It is our conviction that a constructive dialogue is the best way to find a solution to issues such as this.
"The joint declaration signed today is a sign of the goodwill of all parties involved."