Greece’s unique top-flight history undertakes latest change
The 2019-20 Greek Super League is underway, featuring just 14 teams for only the second time in its 60-year history.
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In the 60 seasons of Greece’s top flight, a 14-team set up in the league has occurred on just one previous occasion - the 2001-02 season. The remaining 59 out of the 60 seasons have seen the League alternate between 18 teams (28 occasions) and 16 teams (31 occasions).
Former Deputy Minister of Sports Giorgos Vasiliadis initially wanted 12 teams (which had never happened before) in the league, but he retreated and as a result, it was settled that the 2019-20 edition will feature 14 sides.
The last time this happened in the 2001-02 season saw Olympiacos edge AEK in a thrilling finish to the title (their sixth straight). Both sides finished equal on 58 points, but the Reds boasted a superior goal difference of +39, compared to the Enosis’ +37. Panathinaikos were narrowly in third spot on 55 points and PAOK came in at fourth on 48 points.
The 2000-01 season saw 16 teams participate, just like last season and back then only one side got relegated - Ethnikos Asteras. This season only Volos enjoyed promotion, replacing the relegated PAS Giannina, Levadiakos, and Apollon Smyrnis. OFI edged fellow Cretans Platanias in a two-legged thriller to maintain their Super League status.
