Greek giant AEK Athens will play compete in a friendly tournament in Sydney at the end of July. AEK will join English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, Scottish side Glasgow Rangers and A-League franchise Sydney FC in the four team tournament.
Dubbed the Sydney Festival of Football tournament, the round robin format will have a trophy for the winner and will also feature a special points system.
There will be one point for every goal scored on top of the regular three points for a win and one for a draw.
The tournament will be spread out over three days at the end of July and each match day will have double-header matches, giving fans two games per session.
Ticket prices are yet to be announced but it is expected they will be $29.00 per session.
AEK and Sydney FC will kick-off the tournament on the afternoon of Sunday July 25 at approximately 12.45. AEK’s second match will see them face Vince Grella and Brett Emerton’s Blackburn on Wednesday July 28 at 6pm.
Finally, AEK will be pitted against the side it knocked out of the Champions League in 1993, Glasgow Rangers on Saturday July 31 at 5pm.
AEK’s Socceroo Nathan Burns is expected to take part in the tournament for the ‘Enosis’, after a successful season on loan to Corfu side Kerkyra.
The tournament will also coincide with a visit by FIFA delegates who will be examining infrastructure in Australia in relation to Australia’s World Cup bid.
Local AEK supporters are expected to travel from Australia-wide for what is AEK’s first Australian tour in 30 years.
AEK has previously toured in 1961/62, 1964/65, the summer of 1969, with the most recent trip having taken place in 1979/80.
The Original 21 Melbourne Club will be meeting at the Arcadian Club on Wednesday June 9 at 6.30pm to discuss travel and ticket arrangements for fans based in Melbourne.
All AEK fans are welcome to attend or contact the club via email; original_21_melbourne@yahoo.com.