Greek Cup Final: The Game That Nobody Wants Part 2

 Greek Cup Final: 
The Game That Nobody Wants Part 2



By Stephen Kountourou



Just when you thought things couldn't get any more ridiculous in the ever-changing narrative of the 2022/23 edition of the Greek Cup final, a venue has been found. After constant speculation about stadiums in Greece, Cyprus and abroad, an agreement has been made between the federation and the mayor of Volos, Achilleas Beos, for the final to be played in the Panthessaliko Stadium. As expected however the 22,700-capacity ground will be empty, with no fans of either AEK Athens or PAOK allowed to attend.


The previous article concluded with EPO attempting to have the final hosted in Larissa at the AEL Arena, also with no fans. So what exactly occurred between then and the announcement that the match finally had a venue?


It felt like with every new day, came a fresh rumour about where the Greek Cup Final will be held on the 24th of May. Possible venues in Greece were reportedly the Municipal Stadium in Lamia and the Panetolikos Stadium in Agrino. Both proposed without fans. A third and rather bizarre proposal came from the mayor of Lesbos, Stratis Kytelis, who offered the Island as a place to host the final. 


EPO once again attempted to revive the proposal for the final to be played in Cyprus at the GSP Stadium without supporters. Unsurprisingly this was swiftly rejected again. Other nations were rumoured to have been offered the game, with Serbia in its capital Belgrade, Romania, Albania and even Poland as a possibility. 


However as it transpired, Gazzetta.gr reported that EPO had come to a decision and an agreement for the final to be in Volos. While nothing has been guaranteed during this chaotic journey of finding a place to host the Greek Cup Final, it does seem likely that the Panthessaliko Stadium is the preferred choice. This hopefully puts an end to what has been an embarrassing process for not only the Greek Football Federation but for EPO President Takis Baltakos. 


Rather than attempting to fix the ever-mounting problems of Greek football and steer the sport towards a healthier place on and off the pitch, EPO has shown it would rather hide from the issues than deal with them head-on.


This failed experiment with the Greek Cup has hopefully taught the people running Greek football a valuable lesson. But if things do not change, and EPO continues to lower the status of Greek football in the eyes of the rest of Europe, perhaps new leaders at the top of the Greek game are needed, to make sure that nothing like this ridiculous ordeal taints a cup final that should be a celebration and swansong to the domestic season in Greece.   


@SteveKountourou


Hellas Football





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