Two brothels, “Villa Erotica” and “Soula’s House of History,” have become sponsors of a football team in Greece named Voukefalas. The team now bears the names of these brothels, and the unusual sponsorship arrangement is an attempt to address the financial crisis faced by Greek football. The president of the club, Yiannis Batziolas, explained that amateur football in Greece has been largely abandoned, and the sponsorship is seen as a means of survival. The owner of one of the brothels has promised players special bonuses in her establishment. However, authorities in Larissa, where the club is located, have banned players from wearing pink jerseys during matches, deeming it contrary to the “sporting ideal” and inappropriate for fans and amateur football. Prostitution is legal in Greece and is conducted under strict control in licensed brothels. The Voukefalas club stated that it needed 10,000 euros per year to cover its costs.
GREECE: 2 BROTHELS AT THE BEDSIDE OF FOOTBALL
