Wikipedia - Greek Football Cup

The Greek Football Cup (Greek: Κύπελλο Ελλάδος Ποδοσφαίρου), commonly known as the Greek Cup or Betsson Greek Cup for sponsorship reasons is a Greek football competition, run by the Hellenic Football Federation.

The Greek Cup is the second-most important domestic men's football event, after the championship of Super League. The organizing authority of the institution is the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO). Since its inception in 1931 it has been held 80 times, with a cup winner being crowned on 79 occasions.

Olympiacos is the most successful club having reached the final 42 times and earning 28 trophies.

History

AEK Athens' team which won the first Greek Cup in 1932.

The Greek Cup under EPO began in 1931. In its early years, entry was optional. Teams were paired against each other by the football associations, without a draw taking place. Later on, for many years, a proper draw took place and also two-legged matches were added.[]

The participation of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in the final 1962 is counted for both as the presence of a finalist, since the match was stopped due to darkness in overtime (0-0). Due to the incidents between the players of the two teams, the incidents in the stands, the excessive delays and the suspicion that all this was intentional for the match to be repeated and for the teams to make bigger profits, the GGA council decided to punish the EPO with a reprimand and banned the replay of the match as a penalty for both teams

Until 1964, if the final score was a draw (including extra time), the two teams played a replay match, while penalties didn't exist. That year, in the semi-final between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos (1–1 at the time),fans of both teams stormed the pitch, damaged the football field and virtually stopped the game, believing that it was fixed to end in a draw, in order to be replayed for financial reasons. Both teams were ejected from the competition and therefore, in 1964 AEK won the title but the final match was not held. AEK also won in similar fashion in 1966 when Olympiacos did not show up in the final.

In 1965, a new rule was applied, to determine that, if the game was undecided even after extra time, the winner would be determined by the toss of a coin. Panathinaikos won this way in the 1969 final against Olympiacos . Afterwards the penalty shootout was applied. Until 1971, teams from all over the country, professional and amateur, had been taking part. Each team first played against clubs from its own association and the winners continued in a nationwide competition. Due to this, strong professional sides met amateur neighbourhood teams, sometimes beating them with high scores; a 23–0 win in an Apollon Athens vs. PAO Neas Melandias match on 23 September 1959 remains a record win for the Greek Cup until today. Since 1971, only teams from professional divisions are allowed to participate, while amateur clubs take part in the Amateur Cup.

In 1991 and 1992 the finals were two-legged matches.

One important match in the history of the competition was the 2009 final between Olympiacos and AEK (3–3 full time, 4–4 after extra time and 15–14 on penalties).

The Greece Cup is an annual soccer tournament held in Greece, showcasing the country's passion for the sport and its rich soccer heritage. This prestigious tournament brings together top professional teams from various leagues across Greece, providing an exciting platform for fierce competition and thrilling matches.

The Greece Cup is organized by the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF), the governing body for soccer in Greece. It is one of the most anticipated events in the Greek soccer calendar, attracting a large number of spectators, both local and international, who come to witness the intense battles on the field.

The tournament features a knockout format, where teams compete against each other in a series of matches to advance to the next round. The matches are held in various stadiums across Greece, adding to the excitement and allowing fans from different regions to experience the tournament firsthand.

The Greece Cup not only showcases the talent and skills of professional players but also provides an opportunity for emerging talents to make a name for themselves. Young players often get a chance to shine on the big stage, catching the attention of scouts and potentially earning contracts with top clubs.

The tournament's rich history dates back several decades, with many legendary moments etched in Greek soccer folklore. It has witnessed intense rivalries, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable goals, creating lasting memories for both players and fans alike.

The Greece Cup also holds significant importance in determining the country's representative for European competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. The winning team earns a coveted spot in these prestigious tournaments, representing Greece on the continental stage.

Beyond the on-field action, the Greece Cup fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among soccer enthusiasts. It brings together people from different backgrounds, united by their love for the sport, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadiums and a sense of national pride.

Overall, the Greece Cup is a celebration of soccer excellence, showcasing the best of Greek soccer talent and providing thrilling entertainment for fans. It is a tournament that embodies the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and the enduring love for the beautiful game in Greece.