A proposed merger between soccer clubs Olympia FC Warriors and Clarence Zebras FC in Tasmania will not be going ahead.
News broke last week that the two clubs agreed on a merger that would help both from a financial standpoint, while Olympia have continued to bid for a return to the NPL.
It was reported that former Olympia president George Mamacas was to serve as president of the new Clarence Olympia FC Zebras while the Zebras’ Nick Di Giovanni was to be vice president.
Fans from both sides had voiced their displeasure on social media, with many pointing to the Greek based club losing its history.
Others were shocked to see the possibility given the Warriors and Zebras have been a long-standing rivalry.
Clarence Zebras formed in 2019 when Clarence United and Hobart Zebras (Juventus) merged.
Originally an Italian based club that had a strong rivalry with Olympia.
“So effectively we are losing the identity of 3 clubs, 2 famous ethnic based clubs essential to the fabric of football here in Tasmania. For what…. the other ethnic based club already merged has had very little on field success, since merging. You are only as strong as the club you are merging with,” one Facebook comment read.
“Another club and its history gone, my dad and all my mates’ dads who started the club in the 60’s would roll in their graves…” another comment said.
Olympia announced today that the merger will no longer be moving forward.
“After a thorough review and due diligence process, we regret to announce that the proposed merger between Olympia FC Warriors and Clarence Zebras FC will not move forward,” the club announcement read.
“Despite the strong potential for collaboration, due diligence uncovered certain factors that couldn’t be reconciled.
“Both parties have worked diligently, but we have determined that the timing and conditions are not right for this partnership.
“The decision to not proceed with the merger was made by Olympia.
“Olympia FC Warriors remain focused on our goals, continue to strengthen our respective teams and work towards a successful 2025 season for all our teams.”
Olympia was formed in 1960 as ‘The Grecians’, and are one of the oldest Greek based clubs in Australia.
In 1997, just as it happened Australia wide, ethnic affiliations were removed. But unwilling to depart completely from their Greek roots, they became ‘Olympic.
In 2009 the club once again became known as Olympia and added ‘Warriors’, adopting a logo of Spartan warrior helmet.
They are one of the most successful Tasmanian teams, despite not emulating their success of the 60s that saw them win five straight state championships (eight total including 87′, 96′ and 2015).
Neos Kosmos contacted Olympia FC for comment but did not receive a response.
