Greeks angered by North Macedonia’s national soccer jersey in Euro 2020

·

Greece has sent a letter of complaint to the President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Aleksander Ceferin, over the name being used by the North Macedonia team on their national soccer jersey during Euro 2020.

Greek Sports Minister, Lefteris Avgenakis, signed the letter of Greece’s objection after it became clear the team’s jersey had a badge which read ‘FFM’ for ‘Football Federation of Macedonia,’ excluding the word ‘North’ from the Balkan country’s name.

According to the Prespa Agreement signed between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in 2018, the country’s name is now the Republic of North Macedonia.

In this way, based on the customary use of abbreviations for an internationally recognised name, the jersey badge should include an ‘N’ in the abbreviation.

READ MORE: Leaders of Greece and North Macedonia discuss Prespa Agreement.

The North Macedonia team’s national soccer jersey. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP.

In his letter, Mr Avgenakis stressed this and said ‘FFM’ is not a proper abbreviation of North Macedonia, as agreed by both sides in the 2018 Prespa accord.

Mr Avgenakis also asks UEFA to look into the name of the country’s soccer association, Football Federation of Macedonia, saying that it also contravenes the name deal.

This is the first time Greece’s neighbour is taking part in the final phase of the major event. North Macedonia is competing in the 3rd group of the UEFA Euro 2020 along with the Netherlands, Ukraine and Austria.

Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, has also sent a similar letter to his counterpart in North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani.

READ MORE: Dendias: Greece and North Macedonia strengthening mutual confidence.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Mental Health in Australia’s Greek Community: How can we reduce the stigma?

The Greek Herald caught up with Clinical Psychologist and Founder of the Australian Institute for Human Wellness, Dr Anastasia Hronis.

‘We didn’t abuse him’: NRL probe Vegas ref complaint against Mark Bouris, Nick Politis

The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating a complaint regarding an alleged confrontation during the NRL Vegas Nines competition.

Ambassador Duncan strengthens Greece-Australia ties during Melbourne visit

Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, held a series of high-level meetings in Melbourne this week.