A long interview in the “Peloponnisos” newspaper was given by Takis Baltakoswho addressed a number of current sports issues.
First, being asked about him Vangelis Marinakis to his face, the EPO president noted that this is happening because it is Panathinaikos (s.s. Takis Baltakos).
From there, he explained that the suspicion in the factors has hit red, while for them Greek referees emphasized that it is excellentadding that they should let them do their job.
Finally, he underlined that until the EPO Executive Committee meets on April 24, whatever is said about its headquarters final of the Novibet Greek Cup, will only be a guess. While, to a question about what is the worst moment of his tenure so far, he answered that “the worst is yet to come».
In detail, the interview of Takis Baltakos:
In a short time you will close one year in the presidency of the EPO. Do you think football has gotten better?
“I think this year is becoming the best league in decades. I personally don’t remember it being so competitive and this is something that makes both me and EPO happy. Despite the voices and protests of the groups that are common and always happen, the result is crystal clear. We have the best league in decades. So I personally consider this positive and I am very satisfied with this development».
Was there anything that made you fall from the clouds when you took over the presidency?
“The degree of suspicion of the actors is greater than I expected. It always existed. As you know, I started in the early 90s from EPAE. Now the suspicion has turned red. No one believes anyone».
Why do you think this happens? Did it happen fairly or unfairly?
“In my opinion, unfairly. The Greek referees are excellent. They just have to let them do their job. Let the factors not interfere. When referees leave their home to referee, all they want is for the observer to be satisfied, for the KED to be satisfied and most of all for themselves when they look at their face in the mirror. They are neither going to set anyone up, nor to wrong anyone. This I strongly believe should be fixed in the future».
What has been the worst moment of your tenure so far?
“The worst is yet to come».
Why did the Cypriot federation say “yes” to holding the Greek Cup final there, while the Cypriot police was negative?
“If you read carefully the announcement of the Cypriot police, you will find that their negative answer is due to information given to them by the Greek police. The Cypriot federation could not foresee this development».
And finally, where will the final be held?
“The EPO Executive Committee meets on the 24th of the month. Then the final decision will be made and anything said before 4/24 is just speculation. The announcement stipulates that the final must take place at the Panthessal stadium. we will agree on the conditions. Any other pitch is heard, is out of notice and requires the consent of both teams».
Why do you think there is such anger on the part of Olympiakos and Mr. Marinakis towards you?
“Because I’m Panathinaikos!».
Just for that?
“I guess so. I don’t see anything else».
Because they accuse you that the administration of EPO is yellow and black and its decisions are aligned with the “wants” of AEK…
“THEwhen you say yellow and black do you mean only AEK or PAOK together?».
Now I only put AEK…
“In all these coffee shops, I cannot enter. Indeed, I was nominated by Associations that are close to AEK, but also to PAOK, but it has always been this way. Ever since Trivella’s time that I remember, the president of the EPO came from a large or smaller union».
But the point is that Mr. Baltako should not act on the basis of the wishes of the groups that propose him…
“Agree. The first thing I said and tried to put it into practice, was that I am here for all the teams. Regardless of what Olympiacos says. I was elected with 90% of the votes and the only reaction was from Olympiakos. I understand this because I was vice president of Panathinaikos. Beyond that, thinking that I am here for AEK, PAOK and turning against the other teams is a mistake and I have proven that».
If you went for a casual coffee with Vangelis Marinakis, what would you say to him?
“Less suspicion…».
Do you intend to take legal action as a person against Mr. Marinakis for the characterizations he continues to attribute to you continuously through announcements?
“It all started when my candidacy was announced, that is, a year ago. It is now certain that we will take legal action».
Did Mr. Marinakis actually throw notepads at you? Does everything we read that happened in your meeting with the bosses of the big PAEs apply? I am not asking you about the video with Mr. Karapapa. We all saw it…
“The video has been released, so I have nothing to say. Anything else that happened in the room, in a closed private conversation, I’m not going to say publicly».
Do you think that Mr. Marinakis, Mr. Melissanidis, Mr. Alafouzos, Mr. Savvidis want Greek football to progress?
“They really want it. But they think they have to be in control themselves because they fear the other factors. One is afraid of the other».
Do they seriously now want to upgrade the product?
“Yes, I tell you. They really want it! They fear that if this is left to the other side, there will be trouble. That is why I told you before about the suspicion».
Are you satisfied with the choice of Mr. Bennett as the head referee?
“We have the most competitive league in decades and that is largely due to Mr. Bennett».
However, there are issues. With the refereeing in Panathinaikos-Olympiakos, Croatis Jovic was announced, then he declared an obstacle and you finally found an Elite referee even though in your announcement you mentioned that there was none…
“The Spanish referee was not found by UEFA as some claimed. When the Croat was called off on Thursday afternoon, Mr Bennett knew there was no Elite umpire not playing. Then he sat down and looked up where they were playing. He therefore found that Del Thero Grande was set on Friday in VAR. So he immediately got UEFA and told them he could come. Bennett discovered him and UEFA met».
Do you think we will see Greek referees blowing the whistle again in derbies?
“We must meet again».
During your tenure?
“I’ll try as long as it doesn’t work…».
How do you comment on the noise created with the new national team shirt?
“Meaningless and pointless. The jersey was approved under Zagorakis. From what I was informed, Zagorakis said that a cross should be inserted for the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. The shirt was sent to UEFA who reviewed it and gave its approval. It’s a dropped issue, no one bothers because it’s unimportant».
Have you ever been threatened by a major player in Greek football?
“No never. Fights happen. Verbal conflicts happen. Conversations from one side to the other, they say. When two people are fighting, one will say something to the other. That’s why I don’t pay attention to them, just as I didn’t pay attention to what happened with Karypides. When someone talks on his nerves, he is not serious. That goes for me too».
Have you ever thought about quitting?
“No. I have thought about resigning those who want to resign».
Do you feel like you have to constantly balance between big interests?
“This is undeniable because football is competitive».
Have you ever felt afraid to make decisions?
“Fear? For me, the only fear is fear. I don’t like fear».
What would you like people to say about you when you leave EPO?
“That I left behind a tangible work. By such a project I mean the training center of the National team. It is anecdotal that we are the only national team that does not have one».
Which team do you think will win the championship this year?
“The best… Whatever the score says at the end. At the moment it says Panathinaikos and AEK».
How do you comment on the tenure of the government and what is your prediction for the National elections?
“UEFA prohibits any reference from me on a political matter. No political statement allowed, must be neutral».
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
