[{"id":968,"name":"Hellenic Football League","gender":null,"type":null,"format":null,"createdAt":"2024-11-05T18:02:46.407Z","updatedAt":"2025-07-16T23:10:51.355Z","stb_id":"hellenic-football-league","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"# Hellenic Football League\n\n## Introduction\n\nThe **Hellenic Football League** represents the premier football competition system in Greece, operating under the governance of the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF). As the backbone of Greek football, this league system has evolved significantly since its inception, with the top tier currently known as Super League Greece 1 (also called Stoiximan Super League for sponsorship reasons). The Hellenic Football League occupies a respectable position in European football, ranking 12th in UEFA's league rankings as of 2025, reflecting its competitive nature and quality. For enthusiasts of Mediterranean football, Hellenic Football League statistics provide fascinating insights into one of Europe's historically rich footballing nations.\n\n## History\n\nThe foundations of the Hellenic Football League history trace back to 1926 when the Hellenic Football Federation was established to organize and regulate the sport in Greece. Football itself had first appeared in the country in 1894, gaining popularity following the 1896 Olympics in Athens. The Hellenic Football League creation formally began in 1927 with the establishment of the first official Panhellenic Championship, which initially featured only teams from Athens and Piraeus.\n\nA significant milestone in Hellenic Football League development occurred in 1959 with the creation of Alpha Ethniki, the first truly nationwide league competition that brought together teams from across Greece. This format continued until 2006, when a major rebranding effort transformed the top division into what we now know as the Super League Greece, marking a new professional era in Greek football.\n\nThroughout its evolution, the league has witnessed the emergence of footballing dynasties and the participation of renowned players who later achieved international fame. The historical landscape of Greek football has been dominated by a select few powerhouses who have consistently shaped the competitive nature of the Hellenic Football League.\n\n## Competition Format\n\nThe Hellenic Football League format follows a structured system with multiple divisions. At the pinnacle sits Super League Greece 1, consisting of 14 professional teams. The competition operates on a traditional round-robin system during the regular season, with each team playing 26 matches (home and away against every opponent).\n\nWhat makes the Hellenic Football League rules particularly interesting is the playoff system implemented after the regular season. The top four clubs enter a championship playoff round to determine the ultimate champion, while teams finishing in positions 5 through 8 compete in European qualification playoffs to secure spots in continental competitions. Meanwhile, the bottom six clubs participate in relegation playoffs (play-outs) to determine which teams will be demoted to the lower division.\n\nThe Hellenic Football League tournament employs the standard three-point system for victories, with one point awarded for draws and none for defeats. The league's structure determines qualifiers for prestigious European competitions including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, adding significant stakes to domestic performance.\n\n## Famous Teams\n\nThe roster of Hellenic Football League teams features several clubs with storied histories and passionate followings. Dominating the landscape is **Olympiacos**, based in Piraeus, which has accumulated an impressive 48 championship titles throughout its history, making them the undisputed most successful club in the competition.\n\nOther prominent Hellenic Football League clubs include **Panathinaikos**, **AEK Athens**, and **PAOK Thessaloniki**. These traditional powerhouses have contributed significantly to the league's competitive nature and have represented Greek football in European competitions. Notably, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and PAOK hold the distinction of being the only teams never relegated from the top division since the establishment of the nationwide league.\n\nThe rivalry between \"Olympiacos\" and \"Panathinaikos\", known as the \"Derby of the Eternal Enemies,\" stands as one of the most intense in European football, while the northern derby between \"PAOK\" and \"Aris Thessaloniki\" adds another layer of passionate competition to the Hellenic Football League winners' circle.\n\n## Statistics and Records\n\nHellenic Football League records reflect the dominance of a select few clubs throughout its history. The most remarkable achievement belongs to \"Olympiacos\" with their 48 championship titles, establishing a level of supremacy rarely seen in European leagues. This statistical dominance underscores the club's historical significance within Greek football.\n\nAmong the notable Hellenic Football League statistics is the fact that only six clubs have managed to win the championship throughout its entire history, highlighting the concentrated nature of success within the competition. The league has produced several prolific goalscorers over the decades, with players like Thomas Mavros, Krzysztof Warzycha, and Demis Nikolaidis setting impressive scoring records.\n\nMany Hellenic Football League players have gone on to achieve international recognition, with figures like Vassilis Hatzipanagis, Mimis Domazos, and more recently Kostas Mitroglou and Sokratis Papastathopoulos making significant impacts both domestically and abroad. These players have contributed to the league's rich statistical heritage and helped establish its reputation on the European stage.\n\n## Current State\n\nThe current Hellenic Football League season continues to feature 14 teams in the top-flight Super League Greece 1, maintaining the format with regular season followed by championship and relegation playoffs. The competition remains highly competitive, with \"Olympiacos\", \"Panathinaikos\", \"AEK Athens\", and \"PAOK\" typically emerging as the main contenders for the title.\n\nTechnological advancements have modernized the Hellenic Football League today, with VAR technology introduced in the 2019-20 season to improve officiating standards. The league maintains broadcast partnerships with Nova Sports and Cosmote Sport, ensuring widespread coverage of matches throughout Greece and beyond.\n\nThe Hellenic Football League overview reveals its continuing importance in developing football talent in Greece, serving as a pathway for young players to gain visibility and potentially secure transfers to larger European leagues. While facing challenges common to many mid-tier European competitions, including financial disparities between clubs, the league remains a vital component of Greek sporting culture and continues to contribute to the nation's football identity.\n\n## Interesting Facts\n\nAmong the most intriguing Hellenic Football League facts is the extraordinary dominance of \"Olympiacos\", which has won nearly half of all championships contested. This level of supremacy represents one of the most lopsided success rates in European football.\n\nThe Hellenic Football League interesting history includes several memorable matches that have captured the nation's attention. The derby between \"Olympiacos\" and \"Panathinaikos\" regularly produces dramatic encounters, with the 1996 match that ended 2-1 to \"Olympiacos\" being particularly notable for the controversy surrounding several disputed referee decisions.\n\nAnother fascinating aspect of Hellenic Football League stories involves the passionate support base, with Greek fans known for creating spectacular atmospheres through choreographed displays, chants, and pyrotechnics. The league has also experienced unusual moments, such as the 2015 season when the championship was temporarily suspended due to incidents of violence, leading to significant reforms in security measures.\n\nThe competition's format has undergone multiple restructurings over the years, reflecting Greece's evolving football landscape and attempts to optimize competitive balance. Each of these changes represents a chapter in the continuing story of one of Europe's most historically significant football leagues.","active":null,"short_code":null,"category":0,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fd7e-4b65-7da1-ae3e-eb0583c7c8a3","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

Hellenic Football League

Introduction

The Hellenic Football League represents the premier football competition system in Greece, operating under the governance of the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF). As the backbone of Greek football, this league system has evolved significantly since its inception, with the top tier currently known as Super League Greece 1 (also called Stoiximan Super League for sponsorship reasons). The Hellenic Football League occupies a respectable position in European football, ranking 12th in UEFA's league rankings as of 2025, reflecting its competitive nature and quality. For enthusiasts of Mediterranean football, Hellenic Football League statistics provide fascinating insights into one of Europe's historically rich footballing nations.

History

The foundations of the Hellenic Football League history trace back to 1926 when the Hellenic Football Federation was established to organize and regulate the sport in Greece. Football itself had first appeared in the country in 1894, gaining popularity following the 1896 Olympics in Athens. The Hellenic Football League creation formally began in 1927 with the establishment of the first official Panhellenic Championship, which initially featured only teams from Athens and Piraeus.

A significant milestone in Hellenic Football League development occurred in 1959 with the creation of Alpha Ethniki, the first truly nationwide league competition that brought together teams from across Greece. This format continued until 2006, when a major rebranding effort transformed the top division into what we now know as the Super League Greece, marking a new professional era in Greek football.

Throughout its evolution, the league has witnessed the emergence of footballing dynasties and the participation of renowned players who later achieved international fame. The historical landscape of Greek football has been dominated by a select few powerhouses who have consistently shaped the competitive nature of the Hellenic Football League.

Competition Format

The Hellenic Football League format follows a structured system with multiple divisions. At the pinnacle sits Super League Greece 1, consisting of 14 professional teams. The competition operates on a traditional round-robin system during the regular season, with each team playing 26 matches (home and away against every opponent).

What makes the Hellenic Football League rules particularly interesting is the playoff system implemented after the regular season. The top four clubs enter a championship playoff round to determine the ultimate champion, while teams finishing in positions 5 through 8 compete in European qualification playoffs to secure spots in continental competitions. Meanwhile, the bottom six clubs participate in relegation playoffs (play-outs) to determine which teams will be demoted to the lower division.

The Hellenic Football League tournament employs the standard three-point system for victories, with one point awarded for draws and none for defeats. The league's structure determines qualifiers for prestigious European competitions including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, adding significant stakes to domestic performance.

Famous Teams

The roster of Hellenic Football League teams features several clubs with storied histories and passionate followings. Dominating the landscape is Olympiacos, based in Piraeus, which has accumulated an impressive 48 championship titles throughout its history, making them the undisputed most successful club in the competition.

Other prominent Hellenic Football League clubs include Panathinaikos, AEK Athens, and PAOK Thessaloniki. These traditional powerhouses have contributed significantly to the league's competitive nature and have represented Greek football in European competitions. Notably, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and PAOK hold the distinction of being the only teams never relegated from the top division since the establishment of the nationwide league.

The rivalry between \"Olympiacos\" and \"Panathinaikos\", known as the \"Derby of the Eternal Enemies,\" stands as one of the most intense in European football, while the northern derby between \"PAOK\" and \"Aris Thessaloniki\" adds another layer of passionate competition to the Hellenic Football League winners' circle.

Statistics and Records

Hellenic Football League records reflect the dominance of a select few clubs throughout its history. The most remarkable achievement belongs to \"Olympiacos\" with their 48 championship titles, establishing a level of supremacy rarely seen in European leagues. This statistical dominance underscores the club's historical significance within Greek football.

Among the notable Hellenic Football League statistics is the fact that only six clubs have managed to win the championship throughout its entire history, highlighting the concentrated nature of success within the competition. The league has produced several prolific goalscorers over the decades, with players like Thomas Mavros, Krzysztof Warzycha, and Demis Nikolaidis setting impressive scoring records.

Many Hellenic Football League players have gone on to achieve international recognition, with figures like Vassilis Hatzipanagis, Mimis Domazos, and more recently Kostas Mitroglou and Sokratis Papastathopoulos making significant impacts both domestically and abroad. These players have contributed to the league's rich statistical heritage and helped establish its reputation on the European stage.

Current State

The current Hellenic Football League season continues to feature 14 teams in the top-flight Super League Greece 1, maintaining the format with regular season followed by championship and relegation playoffs. The competition remains highly competitive, with \"Olympiacos\", \"Panathinaikos\", \"AEK Athens\", and \"PAOK\" typically emerging as the main contenders for the title.

Technological advancements have modernized the Hellenic Football League today, with VAR technology introduced in the 2019-20 season to improve officiating standards. The league maintains broadcast partnerships with Nova Sports and Cosmote Sport, ensuring widespread coverage of matches throughout Greece and beyond.

The Hellenic Football League overview reveals its continuing importance in developing football talent in Greece, serving as a pathway for young players to gain visibility and potentially secure transfers to larger European leagues. While facing challenges common to many mid-tier European competitions, including financial disparities between clubs, the league remains a vital component of Greek sporting culture and continues to contribute to the nation's football identity.

Interesting Facts

Among the most intriguing Hellenic Football League facts is the extraordinary dominance of \"Olympiacos\", which has won nearly half of all championships contested. This level of supremacy represents one of the most lopsided success rates in European football.

The Hellenic Football League interesting history includes several memorable matches that have captured the nation's attention. The derby between \"Olympiacos\" and \"Panathinaikos\" regularly produces dramatic encounters, with the 1996 match that ended 2-1 to \"Olympiacos\" being particularly notable for the controversy surrounding several disputed referee decisions.

Another fascinating aspect of Hellenic Football League stories involves the passionate support base, with Greek fans known for creating spectacular atmospheres through choreographed displays, chants, and pyrotechnics. The league has also experienced unusual moments, such as the 2015 season when the championship was temporarily suspended due to incidents of violence, leading to significant reforms in security measures.

The competition's format has undergone multiple restructurings over the years, reflecting Greece's evolving football landscape and attempts to optimize competitive balance. Each of these changes represents a chapter in the continuing story of one of Europe's most historically significant football leagues.

\n","has_description":true,"sport":{"id":1,"name":"Soccer","createdAt":"2024-03-07T13:14:13.496Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-13T13:34:02.467Z","stb_id":"football","position":1,"locale":"en","main_page_section":null,"stb_internal_name":"soccer"},"icon":{"id":184715,"name":"Hellenic Football League.svg","alternativeText":null,"caption":null,"width":40,"height":40,"formats":null,"hash":"Hellenic_Football_League_7ea729fda9","ext":".svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","size":105.48,"url":"https://media.top2u.io/497/1159/Hellenic_Football_League_7ea729fda9.svg","previewUrl":null,"provider":"strapi-provider-cloudflare-r2","provider_metadata":null,"folderPath":"/497/1159","createdAt":"2024-12-26T01:13:29.111Z","updatedAt":"2024-12-26T01:13:29.111Z"},"matches":[{"id":763611,"stb_id":"2026-02-07-15-00-00-roman-glass-st-george-fc-vs-fairford-town-fc","stb_internal_id":"019881ee-dd32-76fd-be80-2aeccfbc2482","date":"2026-02-07T15:00:00.000Z","score_a":0,"score_b":0,"status":"fixture","link_buy_ticket":null,"team_a":{"id":52757,"name":"Roman Glass St George FC","short_name":"Roman Glass","tla_name":"ROM","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Roman Glass St George Football Club","founded":1872,"colors":"Black,White","nicknames":null,"createdAt":"2024-11-05T16:50:48.466Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T07:36:28.853Z","website":"https://www.romanglassstgeorge.co.uk/","address":null,"address_city":"Bristol","address_zip":null,"locale":"en","stb_id":"roman-glass-st-george-fc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":null,"sporting_achievements":null,"club_identity":null,"current_status_and_future":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fd3c-6960-770e-938e-8d999948fd2a","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":false,"has_membership_relations":null,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":null,"sporting_achievements_html":null,"club_identity_html":null,"current_status_and_future_html":null,"logo":{"id":162804,"name":"37055","alternativeText":null,"caption":null,"width":200,"height":200,"formats":{"large_avif":{"ext":".avif","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_37055_a923846883.avif","hash":"large_avif_37055_a923846883","mime":"image/avif","name":"large_37055","size":17.22,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"large_webp":{"ext":".webp","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_37055_a923846883.webp","hash":"large_webp_37055_a923846883","mime":"image/webp","name":"large_37055","size":14.28,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"small_avif":{"ext":".avif","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_37055_a923846883.avif","hash":"small_avif_37055_a923846883","mime":"image/avif","name":"small_37055","size":17.22,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"small_webp":{"ext":".webp","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_37055_a923846883.webp","hash":"small_webp_37055_a923846883","mime":"image/webp","name":"small_37055","size":14.28,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"medium_avif":{"ext":".avif","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_37055_a923846883.avif","hash":"medium_avif_37055_a923846883","mime":"image/avif","name":"medium_37055","size":17.22,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"medium_webp":{"ext":".webp","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_37055_a923846883.webp","hash":"medium_webp_37055_a923846883","mime":"image/webp","name":"medium_37055","size":14.28,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"}},"hash":"37055_a923846883","ext":".png","mime":"image/png","size":45.73,"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/37055_a923846883.png","previewUrl":null,"provider":"strapi-provider-cloudflare-r2","provider_metadata":null,"folderPath":"/877/879","createdAt":"2024-11-05T16:50:48.351Z","updatedAt":"2024-11-05T16:50:48.351Z"}},"team_b":{"id":52487,"name":"Fairford Town FC","short_name":"Fairford","tla_name":"FAI","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Fairford Town Football Club","founded":1891,"colors":"Red,White","nicknames":null,"createdAt":"2024-11-05T16:45:25.115Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T07:35:43.061Z","website":"http://www.fairfordtownfc.co.uk","address":null,"address_city":"Fairford","address_zip":null,"locale":"en","stb_id":"fairford-town-fc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":null,"sporting_achievements":null,"club_identity":null,"current_status_and_future":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fd37-7907-7770-8e93-674ed866466b","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":false,"has_membership_relations":null,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":null,"sporting_achievements_html":null,"club_identity_html":null,"current_status_and_future_html":null,"logo":{"id":162714,"name":"32439","alternativeText":null,"caption":null,"width":200,"height":200,"formats":{"large_avif":{"ext":".avif","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_32439_236769ada5.avif","hash":"large_avif_32439_236769ada5","mime":"image/avif","name":"large_32439","size":31.08,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"large_webp":{"ext":".webp","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_32439_236769ada5.webp","hash":"large_webp_32439_236769ada5","mime":"image/webp","name":"large_32439","size":16.18,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"small_avif":{"ext":".avif","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_32439_236769ada5.avif","hash":"small_avif_32439_236769ada5","mime":"image/avif","name":"small_32439","size":31.08,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"small_webp":{"ext":".webp","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_32439_236769ada5.webp","hash":"small_webp_32439_236769ada5","mime":"image/webp","name":"small_32439","size":16.18,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"medium_avif":{"ext":".avif","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_32439_236769ada5.avif","hash":"medium_avif_32439_236769ada5","mime":"image/avif","name":"medium_32439","size":31.08,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"},"medium_webp":{"ext":".webp","url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_32439_236769ada5.webp","hash":"medium_webp_32439_236769ada5","mime":"image/webp","name":"medium_32439","size":16.18,"width":200,"folder":879,"height":200,"folderPath":"/877/879"}},"hash":"32439_236769ada5","ext":".png","mime":"image/png","size":70.06,"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/32439_236769ada5.png","previewUrl":null,"provider":"strapi-provider-cloudflare-r2","provider_metadata":null,"folderPath":"/877/879","createdAt":"2024-11-05T16:45:24.890Z","updatedAt":"2024-11-05T16:45:24.890Z"}}}],"current_season":{"id":13279,"stb_id":"2025-2026-26","hasUpcomingMatches":true}}]

Fairford: Upcoming