Vassiliadis confirms Greece will make joint 2030 World Cup bid
In Belgrade, Deputy Greek Minister for Culture and Sport Giorgos Vassiliadis held a meeting with his counterparts Vanja Udovicic (Serbia), Krasen Kalev (Bulgaria) and Constantin Bogdan (Romania) in which plans for the joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup were discussed.
As previously reported on AGONAsport, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania are planning on making a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup, with four Greek stadiums set to host tournament matches: the Olympic (Marousi, Athens), Karaiskakis (Piraeus), Agia Sophia (Nea Filadelfeia, Athens) and Toumba (Thessaloniki) arenas. While the Agia Sophia Stadium is in the construction process, the three remaining stadiums would undergo privately funded renovation.
After speaking to Udovicic, Kalev and Bogdan at the meeting in the Serbian capital, Vassiliadis confirmed that the countries are preparing to put together a bid for the 2030 World Cup: “Obviously, the answer to this question is yes, however we need to continue speaking to our federations. Through this meeting we want to continue moving forward together for a better future.
For us, it’s hugely important to show that the Balkan region is changing in a positive manner. We must build on what unites us, forget our previous disagreements, and create a better future for our people. Together, let’s prove that we can organise wonderful events, however we must avoid mistakes which harmed my country in the past.”
Alongside the 2030 World Cup, Vassiliadis also revealed that the four countries are seriously considering hosting the 2021 European Women’s Volleyball Championship: “It’s not just the 2030 World Cup which is in our plans. I am very happy that my counterparts at the meeting suggested that we co-host the 2021 European Women’s Volleyball Championship.
This is a great opportunity for us which goes beyond sport. Hosting such a large event would display our ability to cooperate productively, work together, help each other, and shape a better future for this region.”
A meeting between the football federations of the four countries in question will be held. The Hellenic Football Federation will be represented by Alexis Dedes.
