EPO president visits UEFA

The new president of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), Giorgos Girtzikis, has visited the House of European Football in Nyon.

Mr Girtzikis, who was elected in January, met UEFA President Michel Platini and senior UEFA national association officials for talks which centred on the relationship between UEFA and the EPO, in particular through assistance offered by UEFA under the HatTrick assistance programme.

Although the Hellenic Football Federation was established in 1926, football had been extremely popular in Greece from the last decade of the 19th century, with Athens side Panionios GSS being formed in 1890. The new organisation quickly assumed a crucial role in the development of the Greek game. The EPO soon joined world football body FIFA, in 1927, and became a founder member of UEFA in 1954.

Greek clubs, led by Olympiacos FC and Panathinaikos FC, have been a constant presence in the UEFA competitions. Panathinaikos reached the European Champion Clubs' Cup final in 1971, going down to AFC Ajax. Olympiacos, AEK Athens FC, Panionios and Larissa FC have also performed with distinction on the continental stage.

However, it is Greece's triumph at UEFA EURO 2004 in Portugal which represents the pinnacle of the country's footballing achievement. Otto Rehhagel's charges, surprising the football world, overcame the Portuguese hosts thanks to a solitary Angelos Charisteas goal in the Lisbon final. The Greeks have remained regular participants in major European and world tournaments since then.

In addition, the Under-21 team have been losing finalists in two UEFA European U21 Championships, in 1988 and 1998, having always been one of the continent's most respected squads. The U19s followed their example by marching to the European finals in 2007 and 2012, succumbing to Spain on both occasions. Women's football and futsal have also taken great strides, with the progress of Greece's sides giving further cause for optimism.

Mr Girtzikis played amateur football as a winger for Thraki Sydini FC. In 1997, he was elected to the board of the Greek FA. From 1997 to 2000, he was EPO deputy general secretary, then deputy treasurer from 2000 to 2003, and head treasurer of the association from 2003 to 2012. More recently, he also served as president of the FA's central refereeing committee before his election as the new EPO president.

Every Greek person – irrespective of whether they like football or not – has a vivid memory of that astonishing day in Lisbon in July 2004. "As treasurer of the EPO," Mr Girtzikis recalled, "I was at all of the [EURO] matches, and there was naturally great joy – our national team was the best in Europe. The victory brought pride to Greek people not only in Greece, but also to the millions of Greeks in other parts of the world. It was an unforgettable moment.

"And I also remember that the Portuguese people were very kind to us, even though we beat them twice in the tournament in their own country. They celebrated with us – and this, to me, gave out a strong message that football helps unite people."

The talks in Nyon focused on football developments in Greece and throughout Europe. "It was a significant moment for me to come to Nyon and meet Michel Platini," Mr Girtzikis explained. "Having worked for the EPO for many years, I was able to meet friends – and if you talk with friends, the atmosphere is relaxed and flexible.

"Because I was treasurer at the EPO, I am extremely aware of the significance of UEFA's help to its associations, which has increased over the years. This assistance helps us to give particular attention to youth academies and the grassroots, which are the future of football in Greece. It is important that any revenues that we have are put back into the game, just as UEFA reinvests its incomes into European football."

As he settles down at the helm of the Greek association, Giorgos Girtzikis is also determined that football – a vastly popular sport in Greece – should play an important social role in his country. "Football's aims should not just be about the game," he reflected, "but also to contribute to society and send out positive messages – against racism and discrimination, against religious differences, against violence at football stadia. You can use football as an instrument to bring together people of different cultures and origins. A Greek person might not understand English, and vice versa, but it is clear that football is a common language."

Making sure that a love of the game starts at an early age is something close to the EPO president's heart. "I keep footballs in my car, and if I see children playing with a football that might not be of such good quality, then I give them a good ball – to encourage them." Perhaps he has already given footballs to youngsters who, one day, will emulate the outstanding class of 2004 that brought Greece such remarkable pleasure.