Greece and Cyprus in the same group in Limassol at EuroBasket 2025

On Wednesday February 1st, the Memorandum of Cooperation between EEC and KOK was signed, sealing the excellent relationship between the two. The two federations share the same vision for the development of the sport and aim for joint actions over the next three years, spearheaded by EuroBasket 2025.

Therefore, as has been officially announced, Cyprus will host Greece in the Limassol group, provided, of course, that the “Blue and White” get the ticket to the final stages of EuroBasket 2025 through the qualification process.

Speaking about the problem, Vangelis Liolios said: “I’m very happy because friends are sitting next to me. We have very close contacts with the president of the KOK. EEC and KOK may be two different associations, but they are common. Not only in terms of communication, but also in terms of actions. An association needs the other association.

To move forward, we need action that unites us and respect for one another. This message should be spread everywhere, sporting and non-sporting. We want to show how we can work together and benefit from each other. Cooperation does not mean what I can get from someone, but what I can put on a common table so that it works multiplied for everyone.

We will soon announce a series of actions at the level of development, communication and exchange of views. We still have a lot planned for the future. We will walk a common path in the years to come.

I would like to thank Cyprus for the invitation that made us participate in EuroBasket 2025 in the same group. The yes was very easy. Hellenism is united and we will play at home. We will hear the national anthem many times.

This partnership will point the way to the next day. Sport builds bridges, that’s his job. Within the four lines of play between us we will be rivals, but outside we are companions. Cyprus has made great strides in basketball and will do even more in the future.

All our games will be very interesting. I hope we qualify for the Eurobasket 2025, we are humble and we go step by step. Thanks to a beautiful event that will take place in our country, in our country, the fans can enjoy beautiful games, in a Eurobasket that will be competitive and organizationally successful. I believe in both. It takes work at all levels. The Memorandum of Cooperation will not be signed today, but action will be taken because we are people of action“.

For his part, Andreas Mouzouridis (President of the KOK) said: “KOK and Cyprus face a historic opportunity by hosting a group stage at EuroBasket 2025. Based on experience from other events we have had the pleasure of hosting and as a confederation with a strong presence, we feel ready to take on the next challenge. Deepening our relationship with FIBA ​​was very important to us.

We are the smallest country ever committed to hosting such a large event. In this regard, our first objective was to select Greece and the EEC as co-host countries. That is why we are here with pride and enthusiasm.

EEC and KOK must have close ties and this cooperation memorandum seals that cooperation. Eurobasket 2025 will be the culmination of our collaboration. The prospects for the development of the sport are huge and we are ready to take many actions to further develop basketball. In a difficult time, sporting standards are necessary.

I feel obliged to thank my friend, the President of the EWG, Vangelis Liolios, who identified with our vision from the first moment. The relationship developed between the two associations will continue to develop over time. The presence of the Greek national team in Cyprus is of great importance and we assure you that they will compete as if they were playing in OAKA. The win will be both ways.

The presence of great athletes will also contribute to our own efforts to bring basketball to the forefront of the consciousness of all Cypriots, especially the young ones. Our presence at EuroBasket 2025 will not be typical. We designed the programming to compete with the mid-level teams in our group.

On this journey to EuroBasket 2025 we had the undivided support of the Government of Cyprus, the Cyprus Olympic Committee and other officials. We are convinced that by joining forces we will achieve the ideal result to meet even greater challenges“.

Mark Cleridis (President of the Eurobasket Organizing Committee): “FIBA Europe has assigned Cyprus to one of the four groups of the EuroBasket 2025. Each organizer has the possibility to appoint a co-organizer and within the framework of the agreement with the EWG there is the agreement to co-organize the group.

If Greece qualifies for EuroBasket 2025, they will play the group matches in Limassol in September 2025. We didn’t want another country to be co-hosts, it’s an honor and a privilege to host Greece and their national team. We see this as a win-win situation for all parties.

Firstly, we are fulfilling one of the wishes of Cypriot sports fans to see the Greek national team play with their world-class stars. Secondly, it ensures that we will have full stadiums. And thirdly, the attractiveness of the group is increasing, which will give us a boost in the commercial and financial areas.

Finally, I would like to thank the EEC, especially Mr. Liolios and Mr. Sverkounos, the Cyprus Federation and those who worked for this agreement which will help both countries a lot. We could not have accomplished all of this without the undivided support of the Cypriot government“.

Dimitris Diamantidis (Technical Advisor to the EWG Development Program) added: “I was a follower in KOK’s efforts to take over and take over the group. I’ve seen first hand how much effort and work they put into this and I thank them for the honor of being a part of their effort.

This memorandum will help both federations and our national team will play in Cyprus, essentially at our headquarters. She will have the Cypriot crowd and many Greek fans on her side. I hope it will be a first step for our national team to aim high“.

Concluding, Dimos Dikoudis (member of the EEC Board and Head of National Teams): “It’s a very important day for a broader cooperation of the national team, but also of all national teams. We get a step towards more kindness. That the men’s national team will play in Cyprus in the group stage of EuroBasket 2025 is something special for Cyprus and Hellenism as a whole. I wish both national teams to go as far as possible“.