Group stage set to be scrapped from Greek Cup

According to reports, the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) is considering changing the format of the Greek Cup, with two-legged ties set to replace the existing group stage.

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At the moment, the main phase of the Greek Cup consists of a group phase with the participation of 32 teams, before 16 clubs then qualify for the knockout stages which are all two-legged affairs except for the showpiece final. However, after the 2018/2019 season reaches its completion, the EPO is seriously thinking about scrapping the group phase.

Instead of the group stages, the EPO would like the participating teams to play two-legged ties between the first round and the semi-finals. The format for the final, which is contested in one single game, will remain the same under any circumstances. In recent seasons, many have called for the group phase of the Greek Cup to be abolished, with the majority of Super League clubs thrashing lower league opponents with ease at practically empty stadiums.

It looks as though there will be a new Greek Cup broadcaster as well. Cosmote TV currently hold the rights to show the matches on television, however their contract expires at the end of the current campaign and it appears unlikely that they will renew it. Incidentally, Cosmote TV agrees with the decision to scrap the group stage.

In other news, the EPO Executive Committee held a meeting on Tuesday, in which it was revealed that a special group will be set up to deal with the restructuring of the Greek club football system, with a Super League 2 set to be introduced while more teams from the top flight are relegated. EPO president Evangelos Grammenos confirmed that the Super League 2 will be created and that it will replace the Football League as the second tier. The Football League then becomes the third level, while the Gamma Ethniki will be fourth on the ladder.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: sdna.gr

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