Third National
Fotis Koutzavasilis on Sportish: “Apollo Paralimni’s journey is like a fairy tale, I hope other teams can achieve it”

Fotis Koutzavasilis spoke to Sportish about the historic success of Apollon Paralimni, who qualified for the “8” of the Greek Novibet Cup and became the first team from the amateur category to play at this stage of the institution.
His story Apollo of Paralimni the Novibet Hellenic Cup continues as the team from Serres managed to qualify for the “8” of the competition.
In fact, she managed to make history by becoming the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Novibet Hellenic Cup at amateur level. Now it’s time for Apollon Paralimniou to take on a top-flight team, Lamia, with whom he just needs to make wins.
THE Fotis Koutzavasilis He was the ‘guardian angel’ of Nikos Karabetakis’ side in the historic game against Agios Nikolaos and made his debut with the team. The 33-year-old goalkeeper speaks Sportish about the triumph of the Apollo Paralimni team, what he experienced there as a “rookie” and the goals of the team.
Interview with Thomas Tzouvara

How did it feel to combine your debut with this historic achievement?
Yes, it was the first game I could play. It was a very nice feeling, very nice that your debut comes with something nice, a win, because basically we’re playing for it. It was nice because I could put my little rock in something nice that the kids started a long time ago and that the whole organization of Apollo Paralimnio wanted to make happen.
How did you decide to continue at Apollon and was the team’s progress in the cup an additional motivation?
Additional motivation is the team and how it works. I have known the team for many years through my brother, he has been playing there for a long time. It’s a healthy environment that Greek football needs. I didn’t think about it for a moment. I wanted to be in a healthy environment in the last years of my career and because Greek football has been going downhill.
The organization of Apollo Paralimni has nothing to envy to the 2/3 of the Super League
What has brought Apollon the constant run and the great run in the cup in recent years?
The Team What I have seen in these ten days and was very impressed is the organization that is in place. He currently has nothing to envy 2/3 of Super League 2. Footballers like to work in this environment and that’s why I think the team is doing well, not only this year but also in recent years.
How does it feel to be the first amateur team to get an 8?
It’s something very important for the team and we talked about it before the game. By completing this game and getting the qualification, you are essentially making history. I hope other teams can do the same. We saw it at the cups abroad and said “what a beautiful thing”. Small groups make the surprises and we liked that. At least for us football romantics. Whichever team qualifies would make history. We were glad we did.
The series with Agios Nikolaos showed that the two teams are equal, they played nice football and showed that they belong to a higher level. Do you have a picture of the first game and how did you feel about the second leg?
Of course I also have a picture of the first game. Both teams were very good, with good football in both games. In fact, the quality of both teams was good. Both teams have shown that they can compete in Super League 2. Two open games and both wanted qualification. Those who watched both games were glad they took the time.
Would you compare this course to a fairy tale?
If we look at the story of how the group started in a small village in Serres, I don’t know if the people who started this group expected this to happen after so many years. It’s definitely a fairy tale. Everyone likes these stories. We are proud. First of all the guys who started this course and then myself who managed to achieve something so big in such a place with people who love this place.
How did the villagers take the historical achievement?
Apollon Paralimniou can look back on a long-standing presence in the third national team. Not only the village, but all of Serrai football supports us. Everyone was happy. It was a big day for the Serres Prefecture. Panserraikos also qualified so everyone was happy. Serres Prefecture is a football prefecture, it has produced great players and great achievements.
Next opponent is Lamia. What do you think of these games?
Two games. Let’s have fun, let’s have fun, that’s our reasoning. We don’t know if we can continue. They are different quality, different sizes. It’s nice for the newcomers to get these shows. It’s two 90 minutes. Whatever happens. If something good comes, we will be fine, if not, we will emerge victorious again. We can only have profit.
We’d like a bigger team, but playing Lamia is no small feat
If you had the chance, would you rather play against a bigger opponent?
If we asked everyone on the team, not just me, they would choose a bigger team. Let’s live it even more. To gain even more experience. I think we’d go for this one, but okay, and what’s going on is no small matter. Lamia is a Super League team and has been playing at the highest level for years. So it’s ok.

What do you think about your future and what is Apollo Paralimni’s aim for this season?
In my remaining years I want to enjoy football. I see a Greek football essentially non-existent. A Super League and chaos from there. I want to enjoy soccer and if I stop seeing what I’m going to do, will I continue playing soccer or not.
However, Apollo’s goals are not clear either. he wants nHe takes part in every game and wins it. In addition, in terms of the long-term goal, victory is what counts. If they win all the games, promotion will definitely come. That is the clear goal of the group and in the end the cash register is made.
You talked a lot about problems in Greek football. Would you like to go into that a little more?
I think it’s clear. Super League 2 is a league tormented a thousand times and it just keeps getting worse. There can be many reasons, it can be due to some. The thing is, nothing seems to be changing on the horizon. It’s a shame for Greek football. The second and third national teams are his nursery. There are few Greeks in the Super League. Unfortunately, there are very few teams that can do anything in the 2nd Bundesliga. Everyone else has problems. Many children are unpaid and we are getting worse and worse.
Source: sport 24

I’m a sports enthusiast and journalist who has worked in the news industry for over 8 years. I currently work as an author at Sportish and my work focuses mainly on sports news.
Third National
Panioni fans collected their trash after the game against Foinikas from Nea Epidaurus

Panioni fans asked for sacks to clean the area of the field where they had been placed after their team’s away win against Foinikas Nea Epidaurus.
On Wednesday (March 15th) Panionios won against Foinikas Nea Epidaurus on the 19th matchday of the 4th group of the 3rd National League with 2:0 and climbed with 40 points to -1 from the leader Mykonos to second place.
The historian had the support of his audience at the away game. In fact, they also ran a nice action. Panionios shared that after the game ended, fans asked for sacks to clean the area of the pitch where they were placed.
Post by Panionio:
“We would like to say a big thank you to the management of Foinikas Nea Epidauros and the person of the President of Sozon Lambrianou for the exemplary hospitality they have shown to our team and our hundreds of fans.
PANIONIOS will always show respect to any team that returns it, regardless of the category in which they compete.
Our spectators also made us proud when, after the game, they asked the home team for bags to clean that part of the pitch area that they had set up to leave it as spotless as they found it. (showing the photo with one of the many filled bags)”.
Source: sport 24

I’m a sports enthusiast and journalist who has worked in the news industry for over 8 years. I currently work as an author at Sportish and my work focuses mainly on sports news.
Third National
A soccer player fell into a wall during the match between APS Patrai and AE Mykonos and was left unconscious

The game between APS Patrai and AE Mykonos was “marked” by the serious injury of a soccer player who collided with a wall and lost consciousness. He avoided the worst and suffered a dislocated finger on his left hand.
During the game between APS Patrai and AE Mykonos for the fourth group of the 3rd National League, an unpleasant incident happened when guest player Makis Papadopoulos was seriously injured when he collided with a wall near the touchline.
As reported by pelop.gr, the AE Mykonos footballer raised his hand in defense. After the collision he was unconscious, bleeding from his head and appeared to be convulsing. The game was suspended for around 22 minutes while the footballer was taken to the hospital.
Shortly after, AE Mykonos announced with his official notification that he suffered a dislocated finger on his left hand and nothing more. In fact, he traveled to Mykonos with the rest of the expedition.
Specifically, what the APS Patrai announcement says: ” The administration, technical management and the entire football department of APS PATRAI express their heartfelt support and wishes to AA Mykonos football player Makis Papadopoulos, who passed away during the game between us as part of the 19th matchday of the 4th group of the 3rd national team injured in an unexpected phase in the refugee stadium.
From the very first moment, members of our club wished the unfortunate player and the people of AE Mykonos that everything goes well with his recovery and that he returns to the pitches strong and fast.
Above all, the health and physical integrity of the footballers comes first and every football game is to be enjoyed as a celebration.
We also have to thank the doctor of the match, Ms. Vivi Loukopoulou, who, with her excellent scientific training, assessed the seriousness of the incident from the first moment and did what was medically necessary until the footballer was taken to the PGNP“.
The post by AE Mykonos states, among other things: “EThey showed character by beating APS Patrai, but also the shock of Makis Papadopoulos’ injury… SA Mykonos defeated the Achaean capital 2-1 to remain alone first in the standings in a game with many unfortunate moments.
KFirst and foremost, of course, Makis Papadopoulos was injured on a try in the 10th minute of the game when he crashed into a field wall very close to the touchline.
Mobilization took place immediately. Immediately The match doctor rushed to him while the conscious player was taken to Patras University Hospital after about 15 minutes. The luck in the North Helladian soccer player’s misfortune is that he didn’t have anything serious other than a dislocated finger on his left hand.
In fact, after a few hours, he left the hospital and, with the care of team president Alexandrou Koukas, went straight to Rafina and followed the rest of the expedition on the return journey to Mykonos“.
Photo source: pelop.gr
Source: sport 24

I’m a sports enthusiast and journalist who has worked in the news industry for over 8 years. I currently work as an author at Sportish and my work focuses mainly on sports news.
Third National
FIFPro shared with Antoine Lemaries complaints about the conditions he encountered at the Panileiakos

FIFPro has shared the complaints that French footballer Antoine Lemari met Panileiakos, the team he signed on the winter transfer market, with an article on its website.
27-year-old French soccer player Antoine Lemarie made the decision to come to Greece to play for Paniliakos, who are participating in the 3rd National Championship. However, his experience was very poor, as he initially complained on his social media. His specific complaint was also published on the website of FIFPro, the International Football Association (PSAPP is one of its members).
Antoine Lemarie made specific reference to his agent and the strange circumstances in which he was transferred to the club. At the same time he did because of physical attacks he received when he asked for a piece of paper to be able to leave the group, stressing that he had not received the agreed money and that the house they had given him was in a bad state .
The article begins with Lemari’s biography, with FIFPro adding that “it is a warning to other players“while his title”Antoine Lemarie: How a bad agent got me into the worst club“.
In detail what Antoine Lemarie mentioned and re-released by FIFPro: “An agent who found my number and texted me which I didn’t see until after I finished training. He was so impatient that he had already sent me ten more messages and added another agent to the conversation saying I wasn’t serious because I hadn’t answered. He didn’t even introduce himself, but he wanted me to send him my passport details.
I didn’t have a good feeling, but the contract offer from Panileiakos was good, the salary was quite good and I was happy to go to Greece because I was looking for something new after three years in the Finnish third division.
I asked another to consider the proposal. The latter made two remarks to him, the intermediary managed to adjust the contract, including an advance of 2,000 euros. We were amazed that everything went so smoothly.
I also told his social media account. He published many deals. I finally realized that these posts were wrong. I had already announced my membership in Panileiakos, although no agreement had yet been reached. I didn’t know the club. I searched for information online but never had direct contact with them.
I thought: I don’t like this guy, but if everything goes according to plan, all I have to do is pay him a commission. Then out of the blue he mentioned that I had to pay for the flight because the club refused and he didn’t want to pay because another player cheated him by not going. It was all very strange, but I took the risk.
After a five-hour bus ride from Athens airport – he could have informed me beforehand – the athletic director picked me up and took me to my apartment. It was already night. When I woke up the next morning I found how dirty everything was: there were cockroaches in the drawers, the shower had no hot water and part of the wall was falling on me.
According to my contract, the meal was included, but the club only offered me one meal that day. My apartment didn’t have a kitchen either, so I could cook my own food. The training facilities were amateur level: holes in the grass, broken lights. We trained at dusk, something dangerous.
But the worst thing was that some of my new teammates told me straight away that they weren’t getting paid and that many foreign players had already left. The Greek players also had problems. On my second day, one of the Brazilian players left.
Even though I didn’t receive the promised €2,000 deposit, they wanted me to play the game on Sunday, four days after I arrived. I thought, I’m not going to play until I get paid. But I changed my mind when I noticed the atmosphere in the stadium and they said everything will be fixed the next day. I played 70 minutes.
At halftime I saw something extraordinary. The other Brazilian player was attacked by the President and his bodyguard. The player was shocked and gathered his belongings. Too much had happened to him in the four months he was there. He had not been paid, his passport was confiscated by the club and only returned when his manager threatened to call the police. And then the President attacked him,” added the 27-year-old Frenchman.
“I got it too. That was already too much. Money was no longer an issue. On Tuesday I told the president and the athletic director that I wanted to go. The President wanted to give me some money, much less than the 2,000 euros he owed me, but I didn’t take it. I just asked him to give me a free transfer.
They lied to me again and said I had to wait because they didn’t have my documents yet. They also said that I played the game with another player’s permission. I went to the Hellenic Football Federation office, got my documents and made an appointment to have the papers signed.
They wanted to come to the apartment to pick up the keys but I waited outside because I didn’t want to join them inside. You never know what can happen there. The President came first, I showed him the paper and asked for his signature. He became angry.
Then we waited for the sports director who spoke English to come. They didn’t want to sign. The President lost his temper. He pinned me against the fence, grabbed my neck and rummaged in my pockets for my keys. Then her bodyguard appeared. The situation became very dangerous. I handed over the keys and resigned from the company.
I packed my things and left Athens as soon as possible. I recorded the incident on my cell phone without them noticing. Apparently the President said to me in Greek: “I will hang you by your feet” and “I will hit you”. They reported my case on social media and it was picked up by the media,” he continued.
“I got a little paranoid because I didn’t know how far the power of these people reached and I had to wait another day for my flight home. In the end, this adventure cost me money: the club hadn’t paid me and I paid for the tickets and the extra night I spent in Athens myself.
I heard that the Panileiako players refused to train after I left and that they had a long discussion with the coach. They also spoke to fans who came to the stadium to ask if my case was true. Apparently fans said they were trying to change things up. It would be great if that happened. I wouldn’t have gone through all this for nothing.
I still hope to find a new club. I can play anywhere except Greece because the president didn’t sign the documents. I have received messages from other players telling me that they too were scammed by the middleman and had to pay him money. I was lucky that I only agreed to pay him after signing with the club: he didn’t take anything from me.
Every week I get messages from people on LinkedIn and other social media platforms with offers or contracts after a trial period, but you have to be very careful and know who to trust.
Next time I’ll trust my gut feeling. I immediately suspected that the middleman was a fraud, that he was treating me like a piece of meat. My brother even advised me not to go to Greece because of all the strange things that happened before I left. I should have noticed the red flags.
I acknowledge that I can be over the top, especially when looking for a new club. But you have to understand that they can easily trick you. My message to other footballers is therefore: be careful and ask your club for advice. Next time I’ll only work with someone I trust“.
The VIDEOS of Antoine Lemarie from his experience at Panileiakos:
Source: sport 24

I’m a sports enthusiast and journalist who has worked in the news industry for over 8 years. I currently work as an author at Sportish and my work focuses mainly on sports news.
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