UEFA and Greece’s Top Football Clubs Unite to Boost National Football Prospects
Recently, a significant meeting took place in Athens between UEFA representatives and the leading five Greek football clubs-Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, AEK, PAOK, and Aris. The gathering concluded on a positive note, with all parties expressing satisfaction over the discussions held.
UEFA’s Strategic Dialogue with Greek Football Giants
The event was hosted at a prominent hotel in central Athens, featuring UEFA’s General Secretary, Theodoros Theodoridis, alongside Mario Georgiou, Head of National Associations Services. The meeting fostered a constructive atmosphere, where UEFA elaborated on the revamped structure of European club competitions. Emphasis was placed on the critical role of the UEFA country coefficient rankings, which influence both club and national football standing.
UEFA officials highlighted the financial implications following recent changes in tournament formats, underscoring the urgency for Greece to solidify its 12th place in the UEFA rankings and ambitiously target a top-10 position within the next two seasons. Achieving this would enhance the country’s representation and revenue in European competitions.
Insights from the Hellenic Football Federation President, Makis Gagatsis
After the meeting, HFF President Makis Gagatsis shared his reflections: “This was a collaborative session involving the five clubs currently competing in Europe. It marks the first time UEFA has engaged directly with club owners and executives in Greece-not as a response to crisis, but as a hopeful step towards cooperation and progress for Greek football. Our goal is to foster unity among clubs, the league, and the federation to improve our European performances.”
He added, “Starting next season, Greece will hold the 11th spot in the country ranking. I am optimistic we will break into the top 10, which would allow the national champion direct entry into the Champions League group stage, the cup winner a spot in the Europa League, and generally strengthen our presence on the continental stage.”
Olympiacos’ Perspective: Kostas Vernikos on Marinakis’ Vision
Kostas Vernikos, representing Olympiacos, relayed comments made by club owner Vangelis Marinakis during a virtual conference. “The meeting was highly productive and a positive initiative. Both Mr. Marinakis and Mr. Savvidis participated online. Marinakis emphasized that even before the domestic season begins, Greek clubs must agree on collaborative strategies to support each other’s success in European tournaments, thereby increasing collective revenue.”
Vernikos also raised concerns about playing conditions, citing examples such as Bodø’s stadium and Panathinaikos’ match in Iceland against Vikingur. “There is a pressing need for regulations that safeguard not only match outcomes but also player health, especially regarding pitch quality,” he stressed.
Panathinaikos’ Standpoint: Takis Fyssas Advocates for Collective Benefit
Takis Fyssas, speaking on behalf of Panathinaikos, praised UEFA’s efforts: “Mr. Theodoridis aimed to support Greek football by emphasizing the importance of pursuing shared benefits. Our country must accumulate as many ranking points as possible to climb higher and secure better European competition slots. This approach benefits all clubs, whether they participate in Europe or not, as the overall progress uplifts the entire football ecosystem.”
Reflecting on past experiences, Fyssas noted, “It feels like déjà vu compared to 20 years ago when European campaigns were far more challenging. However, progress is evident, and I hope the new generation of players will seize the opportunities European football offers, which serve as a gateway for their development.”
Official Statement from the Hellenic Football Federation
The HFF issued a detailed briefing on the meeting, highlighting the spirit of unity and cooperation among club owners and executives. The statement read:
“In an atmosphere of collaboration and solidarity, top Greek football clubs convened to discuss the prospects and opportunities arising from the new format of international club competitions. Organized by the HFF under UEFA’s auspices, the meeting brought together representatives from AEK, Aris, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and PAOK, who expressed a shared commitment to collective advancement of Greek football.”
“The clubs agreed on the necessity of leveraging the revamped European competition structure and enhancing institutional cooperation among themselves and with governing bodies. UEFA officials, led by General Secretary Theodoros Theodoridis, underscored these points as vital for the sport’s growth in Greece.”
“The HFF President, Makis Gagatsis, who initiated the meeting, welcomed the participants and reiterated the Federation’s role as a bridge between clubs and international football authorities. Executive Secretary Domna Tsioni also attended the discussions.”
“Representatives included Minás Lysándrou and Angeliki Arkádi (AEK), Theodoros Karypidis and Panagiotis Biliris (Aris), Vangelis Marinakis (remote), Kostas Karapapas and Kostas Vernikos (Olympiacos), Athina Balomenou and Takis Fyssas (Panathinaikos), Ivan Savvidis (remote), Maria Goncharova (PAOK), and Thodoris Laios (Super League). UEFA’s delegation featured Theodoridis, Mario Georgiou, Tobias Hedtstück, Stéphane Anselmo, and Andreas Dimatos.”
Looking Ahead: Greece’s Ambition in European Football
With this unprecedented collaboration between UEFA and Greece’s football elite, the nation is poised to enhance its competitive stature in Europe. Current UEFA country rankings place Greece at 11th as of mid-2024, with a realistic goal to enter the top 10 by the 2025-26 season. Achieving this would not only improve club access to lucrative European tournaments but also increase financial inflows, benefiting the entire football infrastructure.
Such strategic partnerships and shared visions are essential for Greek football’s resurgence on the continental stage, promising a brighter future for clubs, players, and fans alike.