Greek Cup: Official request to hold the final in Australia

Newly re-elected Football Australia Chair Chris Nikou has reportedly received the request and is expected to respond upon his return from overseas

(L-R) Greek Community of Melbourne president Bill Papastergiadis, Victorian sports minister Steve Dimopoulos and Football Victoria CEO Kimon Taliadoros. Photo: Supplied

12 February 2023 2:13pm

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Neos Kosmos reported on Friday on a comment made by the president of the Hellenic Football Federation, Takis Baltakos that that the Greek soccer cup final might take place in Australia.

While speaking to Greek TV Mr Baltakos said that among Germany and England, Australia holds a good chance to host the Greek Cup final, adding “We seek to go to places where there is a strong element of Greek communities”.

England’s response was positive in hosting the Greek Cup final; however, the Hellenic Football Federation still awaits Germany’s answer and is talking to Australian authorities.

Mr Baltakos, has, according to further reports from Greek media, sent an official request to Football Australia Chair Chris Nikou to potentially host the Greek soccer cup final in Australia, given that thousands of Hellenes in Australia passionately support Hellenic teams.

Mr Nikou has not yet responded to Mr Baltakos as he has been travelling overseas.

According to information provided to Neos Kosmos, upon becoming aware of Mr Baltakos’ intentions, Melbourne Greek Community president Bill Papastergiadis took interest and mobilised his team in order to promote Melbourne as a potential location to hold the cup final as it is “the third largest Greek community outside of Greece”.

It is worth mentioning that on the eve the Victorian state election, Minister of Sports Steve Dimopoulos promised that if the Labor Party won he would bring a top Greek team to Melbourne for friendly matches.

Should the final take place, it is most likely to be between AEK and PAOK given that in Thursday’s semi-final, AEK beat Olympiacos 3-0. The other semi-final between Lamia and PAOK was not held due to unpredictable weather conditions, but PAOK is the dominant team to qualify.

“We will not go to Slovakia or Lithuania for the final of the Greek Cup,” Mr Baltakos told Greek media.

“We seek to go where there is a strong element of Hellenism. In addition to Germany and England …Australia is also playing on our mind, although it is difficult due to the change in weather. The English Federation agrees in principle, but the stadiums are not theirs. We must also get in touch with the teams that own the stadiums. May 20 and 21, is when we are aiming for the final. In England the stadiums available are the Crystal Palace, the Chelsea and Arsenal ones. We have not yet received a response from the German Confederation. We are also discussing with Australia.”