AEK Athens F.C. (Athletic Union of Constantinople) stands as one of Greece's most historically significant footbal clubs, with origins deeply rooted in the painful exodus of Greek refugees. The team was founded on April 13, 1924, by Greeks who fled Constantinople (now Istanbul) during the Greco-Turkish War, seeking to maintain their cultural identity in a new home. These refugees, settling primarily in the suburbs of Athens, created the club as more than just a sporting venture - it was a vital connection to their lost homeland.\\n\\nThe club's establishment in Athens, particularly in the area of Nea Filadelfeia, provided these displaced communities with a sense of belonging and continuity. AEK quickly became not just a team but a symbol of resilience for people who had lost everthing yet managed to preserve their spirit through sport. This foundation story remains central to the club's identity even a hundred years later.\\n\\nThrough the early decades, the yeam struggled through the same hardships that affected Greece as a whole - war, occupation, and political turmoil. Yet this shared suffering only strengthened the bond between the club and its supporters, many of whom could trace their family histories back to those original refugee communities.

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When it comes to silverware, \"AEK\" has been an absolute trophy-magnet throughout its history, racking up an impressive haul of 13 Greek Championships with the most recent coming in 2023. The team has been even more dominant in cup competitons, lifting the Greek Cup sixteen times, also adding their latest in 2023 to complete a brilliant double.\\n\\nWhat makes \"AEK\" special in Greek footbal is their pioneering European achievements. They were the first Greek club to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup back in 1977, showing that Greek teams could compete with the big boys of European football. They also blazed a trail as the 1st Greek side to make the quarter-finals of the European Cup in the 1968-69 campaign, and later became the first to qualify for the Champions League group stage in 94-95.\\n\\nThe 60s and 70s represented a golden period for the club under legendary players like Mimis Papaioannou, while the early nineties brought 3 consecutive championships under the guidance of coach Dušan Bajević. After suffering the ignominy of relegation in 2013, the club showed remarkable character to rebuild and climb back to the summit of Greek football, ending a 24-year championship drought in 2018 and then sealing that magnificent league and cup double in twenty-three.

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The double-headed eagle serves as \"AEK's\" iconic emblem, a powerful symbol that directly connects the club to its Byzantine and Constantinople heritage. This ain't just some random logo picked outta thin air - it carries centuries of historical significance. The club colors of yellow and black earned them the nickname \"Kitrinomavri\" (the Yellow-Blacks), colors chosen specifically as a constant reminder of their lost homeland.\\n\\nFor decades, \"AEK\" called the Nikos Goumas Stadium home turf, from 1930 until it was demolished in 2003 after the '99 Athens earthquake left it damaged beyond repair. The club then played their home fixtures at the Olympic Stadium for nearly two decades. A massive upgrade came in 2022 when they moved into their purpose-built Agia Sophia Stadium (OPAP Arena) back in Nea Filadelfeia, complete with a 32,500 capacity that provides proper fortress vibes on matchdays.\\n\\nThe supporter culture around \"AEK\" is insanely passionate. With an estimated fanbase of 1.3 to 1.5 million supporters nationwide (making up roughly 20% of all Greek football fans), they're a proper big deal. Their support extends well beyond Greece's borders too, with particularly strong backing in Cyprus and throughout the Greek diaspora worldwide. These fans don't just follow - they live and breath everything \"AEK\".\\n\\nRivalries? You bet they've got some proper tasty ones. The Athens derby against \"Panathinaikos\" generates white-hot atmospheres, while clashes with Piraeus-based \"Olympiacos\" are equally fiery affairs that split the capital.

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The summer of 2024 marked a seismic shift in \"AEK's\" trajctory with longtime owner Dimitris Melissanidis selling his controlling stake to Seajets owner Marios Iliopoulos in a deal worth approximately €90 million. This ownership change has immediately injected fresh ambition into the club, with the new regime wasting absolutely no time in making statement signings.\\n\\nIliopoulos has shown he means business by breaking the club's transfer record and bringing in some genuine top-shelf talent. The most eye-catching arrivals have to be former \"Manchester United\" forward Anthony Martial, creative midfielder Roberto Pereyra, and former \"Tottenham\" winger Erik Lamela - players with serious pedigree who wouldn't look out of place in any of Europe's top 5 leagues.\\n\\nBuilding on their 2023 league and cup double, the current squad looks primed to not only dominate domestically but also make some serious noise in European competition. The club now has the perfect mix of experience and youth, with the technical ability to play possession-based football but also the tactical flexibility to adapt against stronger opponents.\\n\\nThe Agia Sophia Stadium provides \"AEK\" with a modern home that generates both significant matchday revenue and an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. With solid infrastructure now in place, a wealthy ambitious owner at the helm, and a squad packed with quality, the yellow-blacks appear set for a period of sustained success that could eclipse even their most glorious eras of the past. The next five years could see them establish themselves as the dominant force in Greek football and regular competitors in the latter stages of European tournaments.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/1834_6960c170b6.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_1834_6960c170b6.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_1834_6960c170b6.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_1834_6960c170b6.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_1834_6960c170b6.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_1834_6960c170b6.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_1834_6960c170b6.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}}},"league":{"id":661,"name":"UEFA Europa Conference League","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"international_cup","createdAt":"2024-11-05T08:55:47.860Z","updatedAt":"2025-07-18T01:09:09.647Z","stb_id":"uefa-europa-conference-league","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"# UEFA Europa Conference League\n\n## Introduction\n\nThe **UEFA Europa Conference League** is the third-tier continental club football competition established by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Launched in 2021, this tournament sits below the prestigious Champions League and Europa League in the European club competition hierarchy. The UEFA Europa Conference League football competition was specifically designed to provide competitive opportunities for clubs from smaller European leagues that typically wouldn't qualify for the more established tournaments.\n\nSince its inception, the UEFA Europa Conference League has grown significantly in popularity, offering a platform for clubs from nations with lower UEFA coefficients to experience continental competition. The UEFA Europa Conference League statistics show that winners are rewarded with automatic qualification to the next season's Europa League, creating a meaningful pathway for progression in European football.\n\n## History\n\nThe UEFA Europa Conference League history begins with discussions in the mid-2010s when UEFA officials recognized the need for a more inclusive European competition structure. The concept was officially confirmed by UEFA in December 2018 after extensive consultation with member associations. The UEFA Europa Conference League creation was motivated by a desire to increase participation opportunities for clubs from countries with fewer automatic qualification spots in the existing European tournaments.\n\nThe inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League season kicked off in 2021, marking a significant milestone in the UEFA Europa Conference League development. The competition has quickly established itself as a valuable addition to the European football landscape. In its short history, the tournament has already seen prestigious clubs like **AS Roma**, **West Ham United**, **Olympiacos**, and **Chelsea** lift the trophy, adding to the competition's growing prestige.\n\n## Competition Format\n\nThe UEFA Europa Conference League format has evolved since its introduction. The current structure features a league stage with 36 participating teams, replacing the traditional group stage format. In this system, each club plays eight matches against different opponents, creating more varied competition experiences for participating teams.\n\nUnder the UEFA Europa Conference League rules, the top eight teams from the league phase automatically advance to the knockout stage. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th position compete in play-in rounds to determine who joins the knockout phase. The UEFA Europa Conference League tournament then proceeds with two-legged ties for the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals, culminating in a single-match Final at a neutral venue.\n\nQualification for the competition primarily comes through domestic league positions (typically below Europa League qualification places), relegation from Europa League qualifying rounds, or through domestic cup competitions in some cases.\n\n## Famous Teams\n\nDespite its recent establishment, the UEFA Europa Conference League teams already include several prominent European clubs seeking continental success. **AS Roma** made history by becoming the inaugural champions in the 2021-22 season under legendary manager José Mourinho. **West Ham United** followed as the second champions, bringing European silverware to East London for the first time in decades.\n\nOther notable UEFA Europa Conference League clubs include **Fiorentina**, who have reached multiple finals but have yet to claim the trophy, demonstrating both the quality and competitiveness of the tournament. **Olympiacos** from Greece became champions in 2023-24, while English giants **Chelsea** claimed the title in 2024-25, further enhancing the competition's reputation.\n\nThe competition has featured intriguing UEFA Europa Conference League winners from various countries, helping to diversify the European football landscape and creating new continental rivalries.\n\n## Statistics and Records\n\nThough still in its infancy, the UEFA Europa Conference League records are beginning to take shape. The competition has already produced memorable statistical achievements across its short history. With four different champions from four different nations in its first four seasons, the UEFA Europa Conference League statistics demonstrate the tournament's competitive balance.\n\nThe competition has proven to be a platform for both established stars and emerging talents to showcase their abilities on the European stage. UEFA Europa Conference League players have used the tournament as a springboard to more prominent careers, with scouts from major clubs regularly attending matches to identify promising talent from lesser-known leagues.\n\nAs the competition matures, more long-term UEFA Europa Conference League records will undoubtedly emerge, including top goalscorers, most appearances, and most successful clubs and nations.\n\n## Current State\n\nThe current UEFA Europa Conference League season continues to build on the solid foundation established in its early years. The competition now features 36 teams in its league phase, creating more matches and opportunities for clubs across Europe. The UEFA Europa Conference League today represents an important developmental step for clubs from nations with limited access to other European competitions.\n\nThe UEFA Europa Conference League overview reveals that the tournament has successfully fulfilled its mission of making European football more inclusive. By providing meaningful competition for a wider range of clubs across the continent, it has enhanced the competitive balance of European football. The UEFA Europa Conference League season structure ensures that clubs from smaller associations gain valuable experience against diverse opposition, helping to raise standards across the continent.\n\n## Interesting Facts\n\nSeveral UEFA Europa Conference League interesting developments have occurred since its inception. Perhaps most notably, the competition has already attracted some of football's biggest names, with José Mourinho leading Roma to become the inaugural champions. The tournament has quickly established a reputation for exciting, unpredictable football.\n\nOne of the most fascinating UEFA Europa Conference League facts is how it has created a pathway for clubs from smaller nations to progress to higher-tier European competitions. Several clubs have used their Conference League experience as a stepping stone to later success in the Europa League.\n\nThe UEFA Europa Conference League stories of success extend beyond the pitch, with participating clubs reporting significant financial and commercial benefits from their involvement. For many smaller clubs, qualification represents a substantial financial windfall through ticket sales, broadcast revenue, and increased commercial opportunities.\n\nThe rapid growth in the UEFA Europa Conference League's prestige and popularity demonstrates the appetite for more inclusive European competition. By providing meaningful continental matches for a wider range of clubs, UEFA has successfully expanded the European football ecosystem while maintaining competitive integrity.","active":true,"short_code":"UEFA ECL","category":1,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fb89-88eb-70fd-b4da-68ae56c80e08","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":true,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

UEFA Europa Conference League

Introduction

The UEFA Europa Conference League is the third-tier continental club football competition established by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Launched in 2021, this tournament sits below the prestigious Champions League and Europa League in the European club competition hierarchy. The UEFA Europa Conference League football competition was specifically designed to provide competitive opportunities for clubs from smaller European leagues that typically wouldn't qualify for the more established tournaments.

Since its inception, the UEFA Europa Conference League has grown significantly in popularity, offering a platform for clubs from nations with lower UEFA coefficients to experience continental competition. The UEFA Europa Conference League statistics show that winners are rewarded with automatic qualification to the next season's Europa League, creating a meaningful pathway for progression in European football.

History

The UEFA Europa Conference League history begins with discussions in the mid-2010s when UEFA officials recognized the need for a more inclusive European competition structure. The concept was officially confirmed by UEFA in December 2018 after extensive consultation with member associations. The UEFA Europa Conference League creation was motivated by a desire to increase participation opportunities for clubs from countries with fewer automatic qualification spots in the existing European tournaments.

The inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League season kicked off in 2021, marking a significant milestone in the UEFA Europa Conference League development. The competition has quickly established itself as a valuable addition to the European football landscape. In its short history, the tournament has already seen prestigious clubs like AS Roma, West Ham United, Olympiacos, and Chelsea lift the trophy, adding to the competition's growing prestige.

Competition Format

The UEFA Europa Conference League format has evolved since its introduction. The current structure features a league stage with 36 participating teams, replacing the traditional group stage format. In this system, each club plays eight matches against different opponents, creating more varied competition experiences for participating teams.

Under the UEFA Europa Conference League rules, the top eight teams from the league phase automatically advance to the knockout stage. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th position compete in play-in rounds to determine who joins the knockout phase. The UEFA Europa Conference League tournament then proceeds with two-legged ties for the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals, culminating in a single-match Final at a neutral venue.

Qualification for the competition primarily comes through domestic league positions (typically below Europa League qualification places), relegation from Europa League qualifying rounds, or through domestic cup competitions in some cases.

Famous Teams

Despite its recent establishment, the UEFA Europa Conference League teams already include several prominent European clubs seeking continental success. AS Roma made history by becoming the inaugural champions in the 2021-22 season under legendary manager José Mourinho. West Ham United followed as the second champions, bringing European silverware to East London for the first time in decades.

Other notable UEFA Europa Conference League clubs include Fiorentina, who have reached multiple finals but have yet to claim the trophy, demonstrating both the quality and competitiveness of the tournament. Olympiacos from Greece became champions in 2023-24, while English giants Chelsea claimed the title in 2024-25, further enhancing the competition's reputation.

The competition has featured intriguing UEFA Europa Conference League winners from various countries, helping to diversify the European football landscape and creating new continental rivalries.

Statistics and Records

Though still in its infancy, the UEFA Europa Conference League records are beginning to take shape. The competition has already produced memorable statistical achievements across its short history. With four different champions from four different nations in its first four seasons, the UEFA Europa Conference League statistics demonstrate the tournament's competitive balance.

The competition has proven to be a platform for both established stars and emerging talents to showcase their abilities on the European stage. UEFA Europa Conference League players have used the tournament as a springboard to more prominent careers, with scouts from major clubs regularly attending matches to identify promising talent from lesser-known leagues.

As the competition matures, more long-term UEFA Europa Conference League records will undoubtedly emerge, including top goalscorers, most appearances, and most successful clubs and nations.

Current State

The current UEFA Europa Conference League season continues to build on the solid foundation established in its early years. The competition now features 36 teams in its league phase, creating more matches and opportunities for clubs across Europe. The UEFA Europa Conference League today represents an important developmental step for clubs from nations with limited access to other European competitions.

The UEFA Europa Conference League overview reveals that the tournament has successfully fulfilled its mission of making European football more inclusive. By providing meaningful competition for a wider range of clubs across the continent, it has enhanced the competitive balance of European football. The UEFA Europa Conference League season structure ensures that clubs from smaller associations gain valuable experience against diverse opposition, helping to raise standards across the continent.

Interesting Facts

Several UEFA Europa Conference League interesting developments have occurred since its inception. Perhaps most notably, the competition has already attracted some of football's biggest names, with José Mourinho leading Roma to become the inaugural champions. The tournament has quickly established a reputation for exciting, unpredictable football.

One of the most fascinating UEFA Europa Conference League facts is how it has created a pathway for clubs from smaller nations to progress to higher-tier European competitions. Several clubs have used their Conference League experience as a stepping stone to later success in the Europa League.

The UEFA Europa Conference League stories of success extend beyond the pitch, with participating clubs reporting significant financial and commercial benefits from their involvement. For many smaller clubs, qualification represents a substantial financial windfall through ticket sales, broadcast revenue, and increased commercial opportunities.

The rapid growth in the UEFA Europa Conference League's prestige and popularity demonstrates the appetite for more inclusive European competition. By providing meaningful continental matches for a wider range of clubs, UEFA has successfully expanded the European football ecosystem while maintaining competitive integrity.

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Mark Zabukovnik: Profile