Greek Rugby League Association Explained

Leaguename:Greek Rugby League Federation
Founded:2017
Region:ERL
Regionyear:2017 (observer)
2018 (affiliate)
Remit:Greece
Headquarters:Athens
President:George Stilianos
Menscoach:Steve Georgallis
Website:www.greekrl.com
Countryflag:Greece

The Greek Rugby League Federation (GRLF), formerly Greek Rugby League Association (GRLA), is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in Greece since 2017 and officially recognised by the Greek Ministry of Sports in August 2022.

History

The GRLA was formed in 2017 following the expulsion of the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League from the Rugby League European Federation (now European Rugby League) the previous year. The body was accorded observer status with the RLEF in March 2017,[1] and affiliate status in March 2018.[2] Due to the Hellenic Federation holding government recognition via its integration with the Hellenic Federation of Modern Pentathlon, any matches held under the GRLA were de facto illegal under Greek law.[3]

In August 2022 the GRLA was finally recognised as the official body for the sport from the Greek state and received the national federation status. [4] [5] [6] This recognition brought to an end the situation where the national team played 'home' fixtures abroad or in secret.[7] [8] The first international home[9] game of the national team (women) took place in October 2022 at Gorytsa Park field, Aspropyrgos.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 27 March 2017. Greek Rugby League Association awarded observer status. European Rugby League. 12 May 2021. "Greek Rugby League Association."
  2. Web site: 14 March 2018. Greece Rugby League Association admitted to RLEF. European Rugby League. 12 May 2021.
  3. Web site: Why rugby league was banned in Greece, and their 'crazy' odyssey to the 2022 World Cup . 28 October 2022 .
  4. Web site: Economou . Alex . 2022-08-04 . Ministry of Culture and Sports recognises Greek Rugby League . 2022-10-03 . NEOS KOSMOS . en.
  5. Web site: Greek Rugby League Federation Finally Receives Official Recognition From Greek Government – Greek City Times . Greek City Times . 2 August 2022 . 2 August 2022.
  6. Web site: Ban on rugby league in Greece lifted ahead of World Cup . 2022-10-03 . Rugby League International Federation.
  7. News: How Greece Beat Their Own Government To Qualify For The Rugby League World Cup . 2 August 2022 . The Sportsman . 11 November 2019.
  8. Web site: The 10-year battle to play league in Greece . 2022-10-03 . wwos.nine.com.au . en.
  9. Web site: Greece to host Women's Euro B clash in first fixture since ban lifted . 2022-10-03 . Rugby League International Federation.