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It is final and official: The repeat match Arsenal-Benfica for the “32” of the Europa League, was scheduled for February 25, in “Georgios Karaiskakis”. And now it is a fact that the most modern and safest stadium in the country will host two great forces of European football. Confirming the excellent vision that exists internationally for the stadium, Olympiakos, but also security in the country, in what has to do with competitive activities in the era of Covid-19.
It is very important to explain how we got here. How UEFA, the teams, Olympiacos and the Government reached an agreement so that the great game could take place in our country. But also the very critical actions taken by the Piraeus administration.
First of all, it should be mentioned that the first team to turn to Olympiakos to use Georgios Karaiskakis was Benfica. The Portuguese made an official request a few days ago to use the Olympic stadium as the venue for the first game against Arsenal. However, this was impossible, as on the same day (02/18) Olympiakos host Eindhoven at the faliriko stadium. Finally, the first match between the two teams will take place in Rome.
After the “Eagles”, Arsenal’s management contacted Olympiacos’ counterpart and asked for the stadium. The response from the rojiblancos was immediately positive, following a decision by Vangelis Marinakis. However, in order for the game to be played at the faliriko stadium, the necessary bureaucracy had to be overcome, due to the covid. In fact, although the agreement between all parties involved was immediate, it took 2-3 days for the clubs, UEFA and Olympiakos, to take all the necessary actions to make the match possible.
In the end, the obstacles were overcome, the corresponding licenses were delivered, so Arsenal and Benfica will face Georgios Karaiskakis on 02/25. With Greece selected for the first time as the country to host such great games on a collective level. Which, at least, is an honor, both for Olympiakos and Georgios Karaiskakis, who is recognized as a perfect stadium, but also for the country as a whole. Since it is an international message that everything is done safely.
In fact, what is important to mention is that the match will not have any organizational difference, compared to the Olympiacos-Eindhoven game, which will be played a week earlier. And this is in full agreement with all parties. Like all measures to be taken.
For example, both Arsenal and Benfica will arrive in Greece on a charter flight with a limited number of passengers. They will have carried out two checks in 24 hours, before entering Greece. They will stay in an isolated hotel away from unnecessary contacts. All in accordance with the UEFA protocol, but also in accordance with the requirements of the country’s health authorities.
Instead of an epilogue, two very important conclusions emerge. The first concerns the impressive fact of the confidence shown by UEFA, but also by Benfica with Arsenal at Olympiakos. The very good opinion they have about Georgios Karaiskakis, as a stadium, the facilities and in general in terms of facilitating the development of such a match. Something that has not happened by chance, of course, but it is the result of many years of work and effort. With Olympiakos firmly in the elite.
Beyond that, it is, to say the least, contradictory and almost tragic, that UEFA and the best clubs in Europe trust you for their matches. And the EPO has left at the mercy of all … Rizoupoli the National of Greece …
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