Greece forced to play World Cup qualifier against Scotland in London

Correspondent 21 Aug 2019 2:57 PM

Due to difficulties staging their 2021 World Cup qualifier in Athens, Greece will play the ‘home’ match against Scotland in London.

The international will take place at London Skolars’ New River Stadium on Friday, November 1.

Greek Rugby League Association official, Terry Liberopoulos, commented: “We are working on getting the governance issues sorted out in Greece with the Hellenic Federation of Modern Pentathlon but, with time running out, the decision was made to take the game to London.

“We’d like to thank Scotland Rugby League for their understanding and patience and I’m sure both nations will do international rugby league proud.”

Greece qualified for this deciding group of matches, which also includes Russia, after beating Norway 56-26 in the final of European Championship C at the New River Stadium last time out.

GRLA president, George Stilianos, added: “Of course we were hoping to play this match in Greece but since that was not possible, we are very excited to be returning to the New River Stadium.

“It was a great event when we played there in May and we thank the Skolars’ management for helping us once again.

“It will be a great match and I urge all rugby league fans in London to turn up and show their support the international game.”

Scotland Rugby League chair, Keith Hogg, said: “We are really looking forward to what will be a very competitive and very important game.

“We would have really enjoyed playing the game in Athens but that was not to be.

“This has been a case of everyone involved working together to find the best solution to a very challenging situation.

“It has been great to see Greece, Scotland and the European Federation all pulling in the same direction to get the most sensible outcome, together with the support of everyone London Skolars.”

Last week, Scotland Rugby League confirmed that they had reached a significant agreement with Scottish beer brand McEwan’s, to sponsor their domestic National League from 2020.