News

Ban on rugby league in Greece lifted ahead of World Cup

Published by European Rugby League
02 Aug 2022

After a ten year fight for recognition as a distinct and separate sport, the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports and their General Secretariat of Sports has formally announced that rugby league has the right to be played in the country.

The Greek Rugby League Federation can now legally play matches, advertise games and are hopeful this will soon also lead to access to better fields, to be able to start youth age teams, plan to begin work in schools, and apply for some government grants and other funding.

“This has been a decade long struggle and one that has seemed endless at times," GRLF president, George Stilianos said.

"So many people have played an important role in this becoming a reality and never gave up. There are too many to name but they know who they are and we will be forever grateful for their support.

"This will no doubt leave a great legacy for future generations that will now be free to play the game that they love, without any interference.”

The announcement comes as Greece prepares to play in the men’s World Cup this autumn in England, in a group that will see them take on the hosts at Bramall Lane, Sheffield on October 29.

Greece also play France on October 17 and Samoa on October 23, with both matches at Doncaster.  

“This news coincides nicely with our first-ever World Cup appearance in October which is something we can then build on afterwards, both domestically and internationally," Stilianos said.

"We are also excited about legally hosting our first international match in a long time, which will be on September 25 as part of the inaugural Women’s European B championship, when we take on Serbia women in Athens.” 

European Rugby League chair, Dean Andrew, OBE, commented: “We are delighted for the Greek Rugby League Federation and congratulate it on their news.

"It has been a turbulent journey for rugby league in Greece but achieving government recognition as a federation ahead of their participation in the RLWC2021 signals a new dawn and provides them with a huge opportunity to progress the sport at all levels. We look forward to continuing to support them.”

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