A formidable message for an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and for peace to immediately reign was conveyed to the world on Saturday evening via a friendly in Greece, as league-leading Olympiacos Piraeus hosted Shakhtar Donetsk in a charity match before some 5,000 fans.
The game at the coastal Neo Faliro Karaiskakis Stadium commences a European charity tour by Shakhtar to raise funds for the assistance of people in Ukraine affected over the past month and a half by the Russian invasion.
Several top Greek ministers, including FM Nikos Dendias, Ukraine’s ambassador to Greece, Sergei Shutenko, as well as Olympiacos FC President Vangelis Marinakis were on hand for the charity game.
“We had the opportunity to organize this friendly, despite the fact that it was booked very quickly… It’s very significant that this initiative, a series of friendly matches, begins in Greece,” Marinakis told reporters, while stressing:
“We want to convey the message to stop this war as soon as possible; to stop the loss of innocent lives; we’re not interested in politics, what we’re interested in is to convey the message that this war must stop.”
The inaugural charity game ended with the home side winning 1-0.
Both Dendias and Amb. Shutenko shook hands with players and coaches on the pitch before the match.
Various banners against the war were seen in the stadium, while 176 teddy bears had been placed in seats in the stands, representing the children in Ukraine who have died during the invasion due to the warfare.
The Ukrainian team’s tour will continue in Gdansk, Poland, against Lehya on April 19, followed by Fenerbahce in Istanbul on April 19 and concluding in Croatia against Hajduk Split on May 1.
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
PM Mitsotakis to Chair New Democracy’s Committee Meeting
Today’s meeting is seen as a crucial opportunity to halt internal disputes within ND and reaffirm unity within the party.
Trump Tariffs Jeopardize Growth: Piraeus Chamber of Commerce
The tariffs, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit, are expected to have both direct and indirect effects on the European economy
EU Condemns Trump Tariffs, Prepares to Retaliate
As tensions escalate, the EU is expected to continue negotiations with Washington while preparing for potential economic retaliation.
The Likely Impact of Trump Tariffs on Europe and Greece
Trump tariffs are expected to negatively affect economic growth in the Eurozone while Greece's exports could take a hit.
Motor Oil Results for 2024: Adjusted EBITDA of 995 mln€; Proposed Dividend of 1.4€ Per Share
Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was down 33% yoy. The adjusted profit after tax for 2024 stood at 504 million euros, a 43% decrease from the previous year
Cost of Living: Why Greece’s 3% Inflation Is Raising Alarm
Greece appears to be in a more difficult position when it comes to price hikes, just as we enter the era of Trump’s tariffs.
Fitch Ratings Upgrades the Four Greek Systemic Banks
NBG’s upgrade reflects the bank’s ongoing improvements in its credit profile, Fitch notes in its report, including strong profitability, a reduction in non-performing exposures (NPEs), and lower credit losses
Trump to Announce Sweeping New Tariffs Wednesday, Global Retaliation Expected
With Trump's announcement just hours away, markets, businesses, and foreign governments are bracing for the fallout of one of the most aggressive shifts in U.S. trade policy in decades.
Inflation in Greece at 3.1% in March, Eurostat Reports
Average inflation in the eurozone settled at 2.2%, compared to 2.3% in February
Greece’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.6% in February
Despite the overall decline, unemployment remains higher among women and young people.
