EPO boss Pilavios makes FIFA visit

By: Peter Katsiris | February 21st, 2009

Newly elected president of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), Sophoklis Pilavios made his first visit to the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland to meet up with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Elected after previous incumbent Vassilis Gagatsis stepped down ahead of the New Year, Mr. Pilavios claimed the presidency in a unanimous decision. Visiting the FIFA headquarters for the first time, Mr. Pilavios spoke to FIFA.com after his visit to Zurich.

Mr Pilavios, what’s the reason for your visit to FIFA?
I have just been elected head of the Greek FA and it is logical, therefore, that the first person I visit should be the FIFA President, the representative of football’s governing body. We exchanged views and President Blatter expressed his interest in the concerns of the Greek FA, such as our financial problems and ongoing violence in the stadiums.

What is your main objective as the new president?
My aim is to change the mindset of the people who work in football in Greece, and to change the way that people see the FA. I also want to help every region in Greece have their own stadiums, and that’s something we have already been working on for the last four years through one of our development programmes. Another of my aims is to encourage the growth of football at grassroots level.

Are you happy with the progress Greece are making in the qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010?
I am pleased with how well the team is doing in the World Cup qualifiers, apart from the disappointing result we had at home to Switzerland (a 2-1 defeat). We didn’t have much luck that day.

Do you think the team has a good chance of reaching the finals?
We are leading the group but we have two difficult matches in the space of four days against Israel at the end of March. I think those two games will have a vital bearing on Group 2. Whoever comes out on top after those clashes will have a very good chance of reaching South Africa.

UEFA trip too
Pilavios also visited the UEFA Headquarters, as Michel Platini met with the 43-year-old at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The legendary French talisman greeted Greek football’s top official as the pair discussed several UEFA programmes, including the the HatTrick assistance programme.

Mr. Platini also assured Mr. Pilavios of UEFA’s “full support and co-operation” with the EPO in its future projects.