07 January 2025 GMT: 01:41

Olympiakos swap betting firm for UNICEF as shirt sponsor

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By Panos Bletsos
Ocotber 24 – Olympiakos have announced a two-year deal to promote the UNICEF logo on the front of their shirts and to help the Fund raise at least €2 million. The Greek champions and UEFA Champions League regulars have joined Barcelona in supporting the global children’s charity.
The money raised from the sponsorship could save the lives of as many as 50,000 children worldwide.

In contrast to the 2006 agreement between UNICEF and the Spanish giants this will of course not be the first time the name of another organization will be projected on the red and white jersey of the Pireas club.

In fact, it was only a few weeks ago that Olympiakos decided to terminate a long-standing collaboration with OPAP, Greece’s public sports betting firm, immediately after its privatization involving the supremo of rivals AEK, Dimitris Melissanidis.

“There’s more to Greece than the financial crisis and the need for international help. Greece is also about reaching out and helping those in need,” said Olympiakos owner Vangelis Marinakis. He also reiterated his desire to establish the Olympiakos Foundation, a charity that also helps UNICEF generate income for child vaccinations.

Lambros Kanellopoulos, chairman of the Hellenic National Committee for UNICEF, said that Barcelona and Olympiakos share the same course of action to help tackle severe problems in developing countries.

The reigning Greek Super League champions and Cup holders are the latest in a line of football clubs to strike similar partnerships with UNICEF, including Hammarby, Brøndby, Sydney, Glasgow Rangers and Boca Juniors, while last season Aris Thessalonikis donated the organization part of their revenue from official kit sales.

Olympiakos showcased new shirt on the road against Benfica in a Champions League last night (Wednesday).

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