Lysandrou: “Extremely happy that four teams are competing for the championship – We want to strengthen VAR”

Great interview at Kicker granted the president of the Super League and CEO of OFI, Minas Lysandros. Mr Lysandrou touched on a range of issues including VAR, pitches, competition, government measures on violence and TV rights, while he described the Bundesliga as a model.

Minas Lysandros’ interview in detail:

Mr. Lysandrou, there is currently a running joke among Greek fans: What does the Greek league have that even the Premier League can’t offer?

“Is there such a thing?».

In Greece four teams fight for the championship, while in the Premier League three.

“Of course, of course (s.s. laughs). It is extremely pleasing for us that four teams are only four points apart in the standings at the end of the regular season before the upcoming playoffs. Especially since we are talking about a league with only 14 participants. So, more than a quarter of the clubs are playing for the title. Likewise in the relegation battle, several teams will fight to stay in the league in the playouts. The huge competition within the league makes the clubs better. There are several signs of the league’s growing momentum».

An example;

“In the normal phase that just ended we had record with 542 goals and an average of 2,978 goals per match. In previous years the average was at most 2.44. Compared to the previous season there are 128 more goals».

Are “fights” between the four title contenders almost inevitable?

“We have to look at the positives. Due to huge competition, all the clubs have won in many areas and last but not least they have also strengthened their squads. Step by step, year by year, the league has been improving since 2019. Two fundamental changes took place at that time. On the one hand the league was reduced from 16 to 14 teams and on the other the Play Offs and Play Outs were introduced in their current form. We currently have two teams in the Europa Conference League, PAOK and Olympiacos. In addition, the U19s of Olympiakos are in the quarter-finals of the Youth League. All this shows the good work in many areas and this has significantly strengthened the league as a whole. Our goal is to move forward with small but steady steps».

That period was your first term as president of the League. What has changed in the meantime?

“In many leagues there is constant development. But in between there was the coronavirus pandemic, which also brought the league to a halt for a while. As of 2022, everything is largely back to normal. The further development of projects that were still in their initial stages in 2019 is also encouraging. As was the idea at the time to professionally improve the racing turf. Using the expertise of a specialist company, the project was developed by my successor and then implemented and expanded by the next in line. You can now see the result of the close cooperation of all members of the league. In less than 100 days, the final of the Europa Conference League will be held at the new stadium of AEK. A few months ago, the final of the UEFA Super Cup was held at the Olympiakos stadium. UEFA has entrusted the finals in two of its four competitions at stadiums of our members».

Have you been following the Bundesliga debate about new investors and the fan protests recently?

“Each environment has its own culture and history. The Bundesliga is a role model for us in many areas. We are talking about the top level. That’s why we pay attention to what happens there. No one can stop the progress, but no one should ignore the fans either. To your question: I say to my colleagues at OFI: “If you listen to no one, you will be destroyed. If you listen to everyone, you will also be destroyed”. What I want to say: It is extremely difficult to find balance when making important decisions. Many discussions and above all time will bring the best solution for the Bundesliga and its numerous fans».

Back to Greece. The government closed all first division stadiums for two months in December. What has changed now?

“It should be emphasized here that the reason for the exclusion of viewers was riots at a volleyball match and they did not directly affect football. We had to follow that order. After intensive discussions with the EPO and the ministries of sports and digitization, they were adopted two important innovations. Surveillance cameras at Premier League stadiums have been replaced by high-resolution cameras using the latest technology. The digital ticket will soon be introduced, with which people can be identified through an app on the spectator’s mobile phone. Similar to the digital application of many official forms, the application will work on government criteria. The paper ticket is being phased out».

Speaking of digitization: How do you plan for the future in terms of VAR? Will you put in goal line technology?

“VAR has been available in our league since 2019. We aim to enhance its functionality through every technological option, such as semi-automatic offside or goal line technology».

Last question: What about the vexed issue of central management?

“The clubs have been negotiating television rights independently with the two pay-TV platforms for several years. There are arguments on both sides, remains an open and hotly debated topic. In an age where everything is measurable, we will see what is ultimately best for everyone. We will also take into account the positive experiences of other leagues in terms of central management».