Despite the efforts of Greek Community of Melbourne president, Bill Papastergiadis, the Greek Cup final will not take place in Australia but head to Cyprus.
With the unanimous decision of the EPO executive committee on Friday and following a proposal by President Takis Baltakos, the Novibet Greek Cup final will take place on May 20 at the GCP in Nicosia.
All members of the committee, 16 in number, agreed with the proposal submitted ensuring the second title of the year will be decided on the eve of the national elections in Greece.
The stadium had previously qualified as the best option for 20 May. Located in Strovolos, central Nicosia District, although small by international standards, it is the largest stadium in Cyprus, with a capacity of 22,859 and was opened in 1999. It serves as the home stadium for the 3 biggest football clubs of Nicosia APOEL, Olympiakos & Omonia.
“The final could be held at the stadium, we have no problem to hold the match, it has a level 4 approval and Champions League matches have been held up to the 8 stage. I would say the stadium can host a Greek Cup final. We don’t have any pressure from either the EPO or the Cyprus FA, the Cyprus Cup final is June 3 and the stadium is available on those dates to host the final,” the stadium’s general manager told Metrosport Radio last week.
He then pointed out that “there are [in the stands] fans of both teams in Cyprus, from a security point of view I would say that they are better at ensuring that the match takes place, the Cyprus police are better organised than the Greek police and there are distinct powers. In Cyprus there are fans of both teams in every match and it’s something we know so it could be the same in the final”.
The finalists will be decided during the Greek Orthodox Holy Week. On Wednesday, Olympiacos will meet AEK for the rematch of the 3-0 Opap Arena defeat, while on Holy Thursday, PAOK welcomes Lamia after winning 5-1 in the first game.
