UEFA Denies Greece’s Request to Postpone Nations League Match Following Death of George Baldock

London, October 10, 2024 – UEFA has rejected a request from the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) to postpone Greece’s Nations League fixture against England at Wembley, scheduled for Thursday evening, following the tragic death of Greece international George Baldock.

Baldock, 31, was found dead in his swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, a suburb of Athens, on Wednesday evening. The former Sheffield United defender, who joined Greek club Panathinaikos in May, had played 75 minutes in their goalless draw against Olympiacos just days prior.

Born in Buckingham, Baldock qualified to represent Greece through his grandmother and earned 12 caps for the national team. However, he was not included in the squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against England and the Republic of Ireland.

George Baldock played for Panathinaikos in their draw with Olympiacos last Sunday (EPA)

Upon receiving the news of Baldock’s death, the HFF approached UEFA with a formal request to postpone Thursday’s match. They cited his recent involvement with the national team—he played twice as recently as March—and the presence of two of his Panathinaikos teammates, including team captain Tasos Bakasetas, in the current squad.

However, UEFA informed the Greek FA that no alternative dates were available to reschedule the match, so the game proceeded as planned.

“After repeated contacts with the highest levels of UEFA since last night regarding tonight’s match, there was no room for postponing it,” the Greek FA confirmed in a statement on Thursday morning.

In a heartfelt statement, the Greece national team players expressed their grief at Baldock’s sudden passing: “It is impossible to believe that our dear friend and teammate, George, is no longer with us.

Our pain is indescribable. We will try to reach the power of his soul tonight, which is a bright example for us all. Our thoughts are with his family. We’ll never forget you, man.”

George Baldock last represented Greece in their Euro 2024 playoff games in March (UEFA via Getty)

The HFF also issued a separate statement mourning Baldock’s loss: “With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock. There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye.”

England and Greece’s players will wear black armbands during the match, and a minute’s silence will be observed before kick-off in memory of Baldock.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin paid tribute to the player during the European Club Association (ECA) General Assembly on Thursday morning, saying, “Last night, George Baldock died, a young player for the Greek national team and Panathinaikos.

If a young person dies, it is a sad day. We have to remind ourselves what is important in life. One day, you are here; the next, you are gone. Deep and sincere condolences to the player’s family, Greek football, and the football family.”

UEFA also posted a tribute to Baldock on their social media channels: “On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Panathinaikos and Greece defender George Baldock. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and teammates.”

The match between England and Greece at Wembley will now occur under the sad shadow of Baldock’s untimely death, with both teams honouring his memory before and during the game.