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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia commemorated Greek Independence Day with joyous festivities on Sunday, 30 March.

From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a neglected alleyway.

Burwood Council celebrates Greek National Day with local community

On Wednesday, March 26, Burwood Council hosted its annual Greek National Day celebrations, marking the 1821 start of Greece's Revolution.

Canberra remembers Greece’s fight for freedom with wreath laying and cultural display

On Sunday, Canberra’s Greek community came together to celebrate one of the biggest celebrations in Greek history, Independence Day.

You May Also Like

Elderly Greek couple assaulted during home invasion in Sydney’s south

Three armed intruders have forced their way into an elderly Greek couple's home in Sydney's south on Tuesday night and assaulted them.

Olympic torch relay continues across Greece, making stop at Acropolis 

Ahead of its journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the symbolic Olympic flame made a stop at Greece’s historic icon, the Acropolis.

Scott Carver director Nicholas Bandounas on plans to reinvigorate Parramatta

Architectural practice Scott Carver has won the Design Excellence Competition to reinvigorate a precinct in Parramatta.