Sydney Olympic members seek EGM and club updates

Members and supporters of the Sydney Olympic football club held a gathering on Wednesday evening and decided to request from the board the convening of an extraordinary general meeting, with the main demands being the filling of vacant positions on the club’s Board of Directors and the transparent briefing of members on the club’s progress and activities.

With the microphone the convenor of the meeting, Sydney Olyympic legend, Pater Katholos. Sitting left GAS president, George Mpliokas and sitting right, president of the Mytilenean Brotherhood, Peter Psomas.

The gathering took place at the premises of the Mytilenian Brotherhood of NSW at its premises in Canterbury. Approximately 120 people attended, including life members, regular members and friends of the club.

The meeting was coordinated by former “blue-and-white” player Peter (Panagiotis) Katholos, while other past stars of Sydney Olympic were also present, such as Peter (Pantelis) Raskopoulos, Pablo Cardozo and others.

Panagiotis Katholos stated that Sydney Olympic is a creation of the Greek community and must belong to it. He explained that, if necessary, the community and its people—as has happened in the past—will mobilise so that the historic club takes the place it deserves in Australian football.

Among those present were the president of the Mytilenean Mytilenian Brotherhood, Panagiotis Psomas, the president of the Greek Australian Society, Giorgos Mpliokas; Councillor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Harry Stavrinos; members of former boards, including lawyers Giannis Theodoridis and Nikos Kambounias; and others.

Source: SBS / SBS Greek- Themi Kallos

Speakers emphasised that Sydney Olympic was founded by Greek migrants and belongs to the Greek community, not to any individuals. They noted that in recent years the club has become detached from the community; no initiatives have been taken to attract the younger generation; members are not adequately informed about meetings and the club’s financial situation; changes have been made to the constitution without proper notification to members; and, overall, there is no clear plan for the club’s development.

It was also stated at the meeting that the Board had been asked to have a representative present to answer questions, but there was no response.

Questions were further raised about why the Board of Directors is so small (three members, as mentioned) and why it was not formed through elections but by appointment.

A press release regarding Wednesday night’s events is expected to be issued.

Our program (SBS Greek) has contacted the Sydney Olympic administration to comment on the developments and is awaiting their response.