The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria has sent a formal request to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, that he intervenes to ensure that Melbourne hosts one of the two matches between the Socceroos and the touring Greek National Football team, scheduled for June this year.
The request is in response to media reports that Melbourne may lose the game to another city, because of a reported breakdown in negotiations between the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) and representatives of the Victorian government.
Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne president Bill Papastergiadis told Neos Kosmos that the premier had yet to reply to his letter.
“At the moment, we’ve had no response from the premier. We’re not letting the issue go. It would be farcical for this game not to be played in Melbourne and it’s an issue we’re going to pursue.”
Papastergiadis says that as far as he knows, “the FFA want it to happen. That’s what we know. The issue is getting the Victorian government to come to the party. Apparently the reason they gave is that they don’t think it will generate sufficient international or interstate interest. We’re going to continue to pursue it”.
Neos Kosmos understands that the Victorian government is continuing its negotiations with the FFA on the matter, with the financial plan being the sticking point at present.
Neos Kosmos approached the FFA for comment but a spokesman said they were unable to provide any because no decision had been reached on the cities to stage the matches against Greece.
Meanwhile, the Office of John Eren, minister for tourism and major events, emailed the following statement to Neos Kosmos which gives some hope that the government is still keen to stage the event in Melbourne.
“Victoria has a world-class calendar of the biggest and best sporting events, but it’s important to ensure our events deliver maximum economic benefits in this state.
“The Greek national team has an enormous following and a proud history with Melbourne, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Victoria for a blockbuster that provides jobs and growth to the economy.”
