Hellenic Football Federation President on potential to hold Greek Cup final in Melbourne

·

By Panagiotis Dalatariof.

The President of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), Panagiotis Baltakos, has spoken exclusively to The Greek Herald about the potential to hold the Greek Cup final in Melbourne, Victoria.

In the interview, Mr Baltakos stressed that discussions with the Football Federation Australia (FFA) is at an early stage, but he did not rule out the possibility of seeing Greek teams coming to Australia so expatriates and the Greek community in general can watch them closely.

How did you come up with the idea of holding the Greek Cup final in Australia?

The idea was born by seeing other countries’ Cup finals being held outside the country’s territory. I think this is something that Greece and EPO can do, even if it does not happen this year, but one of the following years. When I put the idea to the Executive Committee of the Football Federation it was positively received by all and I think that if it goes ahead it will be a sign of progress and modernisation for Greek football in general. Australia is one of the possible countries due to the fact that a large number of Greeks live there, without ignoring the great distance and the difficulty of access that exists in this sense.

Greek Cup trophy.

Where are discussions at with the FFA at the moment?

We are still at a stage where we cannot say anything definite about the conduct of the Cup Final. However, Australia and Melbourne are among the potential venues, but we are looking at other scenarios.

Do you have a specific date in mind?

The final date is May 20. It is not in our intentions to change it, but if it is judged that it has to be moved to another date for some particular reason that will benefit all involved we will have to decide from there.

In the event the final does not take place in Australia, is there potential for a friendly match or a visit of the Greek national team to Australia?

There is no such thought at the moment, but anything is possible regardless of where the Cup Final is held.

Do you have a message for readers of The Greek Herald?

I would like to tell them that we love them very much and would like to, if possible, give them the possibility to watch Greek teams compete in Australia.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Victorian football community mourns after the passing of Heidelberg United’s Keely Lockhart

The Victorian football community is in mourning following the heartbreaking news of Keely Lockhart’s tragic passing.

Alexia Apostolakis debuts for Matildas in narrow defeat to Panama

Greek Australian teenager Alexia Apostolakis made her senior debut for the CommBank Matildas on Saturday. Read more here.

Greek government to host online seminar for Greeks abroad on tax, business and relocation

An online information seminar designed specifically for Greeks living abroad will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Erin Patterson found guilty of mushroom lunch murders

Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murdering three of her relatives by intentionally serving them a meal laced with deadly mushrooms.

Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers set to launch in Athens

The world’s most distinguished Hellenic legal minds are set to gather in Athens for the inaugural Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025.

You May Also Like

Greek-French unity on display at Paris Paralympics opening ceremony

The 2024 Paralympics officially began in Paris, with Greece making a triumphant entrance with their 37 athletes at the opening ceremony.

Mike Lazaridis: Father of the smartphone and science philanthropist

Mike Lazaridis is well-known as the father of the smartphone and science philanthropist. This is his story.

Turkish administrative court repeals 1934 decree that turned Hagia Sophia into museum

The courts have just approved the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, with an official date of reconstruction to be announced at a later time.