Aikaterini Koxenoglou: The woman who changed the rules of the game in Greek football

Manos Staramopoulos • 27 de abril de 2026

Exclusive Interview with Aikaterini Koxenoglou, Deputy President Greek Super League.

In a space where the balance for years was shaped almost exclusively by male presences, Aikaterini Koxenoglou managed not only to establish herself, but also to become a point of reference for the new era of Greek football. With studies in Business Management at Laverve University and a strong academic background combined with decades of practical experience, she has all the tools of a modern administrative personality. At the same time, her comfort in four languages (English, Spanish, French and Russian) allows her to move with ease in the international football environment, representing the organizations to which she belongs with dignity.

 

In this context, she granted an exclusive interview to the editor-in-chief of the international media Discoveryfootball.com, Manos Staramopoulos, opening her cards on the present and future of football.

 

Her career in the field is steadily rising, with a key role at Atromitos F.C., where as first vice president and for many years an administrative executive she has contributed substantially to the extroversion and international presence of the club. At the same time, as deputy president of Super League Greece, she continues to play a leading role in shaping developments in the Greek championship.

 

Her recent election to the Board of Directors of the World Leagues Association confirms the recognition she now enjoys at a global level. This is not just a personal distinction, but a development of particular importance for Greek football, as it strengthens its voice in international processes.

 

Aikaterini Koxenoglou is not only a successful administrative presence; she is a modern model of leadership, combining knowledge, perseverance and vision, proving that football can (and should) evolve along with society.


Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Aikaterini Koxenoglou:

 

Even if temporarily, for a while you were the first female president of the Super League. What does this moment mean to you, both personally and institutionally for Greek football? Now as deputy president, what exactly is your role?

 

R/: “It is indeed a special honor for me to be in the position of President of the Super League, which as you understand had intense symbolism, but was not limited to that. On a personal level, it was the culmination of a long career in the field of football, which requires continuous effort, consistency and dedication. At the same time, however, it also had a deep institutional character, as it highlighted that Greek football can evolve, modernize and integrate different presences in positions of responsibility and break the stereotypes of Greek society in a male-dominated space”.

 

As for my role as Deputy President, I consider it to be essential and strategic. I support the work of the administration, I participate in decision-making, I act as a connecting link between the clubs and I try to contribute to ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the League. It is a role that requires balance, cooperation and continuous interest”.

 

What do you consider to be the immediate priorities of the League in this period?

 

R/: The priorities of the League always concern and are linked to the next day of Greek football. Strengthening the credibility of the championship is our long-term main goal, as it is the basis for any further development. And it is very important that at this time we have an exciting league, we do not know the champion, we do not know which team will win 5th place, we do not know which teams will be relegated. It is a profit for our

 

league no matter how much some try to degrade it. On a second level, we are working to improve the commercial product, through upgrading television agreements, attracting sponsors. Also important for us is the investment in the teams' infrastructure, the championships are also exciting and the future stars of the teams are emerging. The final goal of all this effort is to fill all the stadiums and strengthen the public's trust".

 

Do you believe that the Greek championship has taken steps towards greater credibility and extroversion in recent years?

 

“Absolutely, there is no doubt about this. Great and substantial steps have been taken in this direction and all the clubs have helped with their policies, we are their partners. I will not claim that we have reached the maximum yet, the work is ongoing and should not stop. Credibility is built daily, through consistency, stability and seriousness in all decisions. Regarding extroversion, there is progress, a greater presence at the international level is needed, better visibility and exploitation of the possibilities offered by the modern football environment.”

 

On November 14, 2025, the World Leagues Association elected you as a member of the board of directors. What does this mean for you and for Greek football?

 

“It means honor and pride. A particularly important development is the recognition of the work that has been done over the years, but in no way do I view it as an individual. I have stated in the past that because I have started from very lowly positions and have gone through all the levels, the most important thing is to listen to your colleagues and move forward with them. I am grateful to them because my colleagues are the ones who opened my wings for me to move forward and reach this far. I would also add that this election also concerns Greek football, as it gives us the opportunity to actively participate in the international dialogue, to exchange know-how with other advanced leagues and to transfer good practices to our country.”

 

What are, in your opinion, the biggest obstacles that Greek football must overcome to approach European standards?

 

“The obstacles are known but not insurmountable. We must always start from the bottom up and create a proper pyramid. So our first concern must be the organization of the infrastructure, the facilities so that they can

 

meet modern standards. Then we must improve the quality of our matches to approach European standards, so that people go to their team’s stadium and enjoy it. From there, we must limit the level of toxicity, mainly around refereeing, that is the biggest problem. Mistakes are made and will always be made

 

on the part of referees, but we must admit that with the use of VAR and the semi-automatic offside that was introduced in our championship this year, they have been significantly reduced”

 

What could the Super League do to enhance the competitiveness and commercial value of the championship?

 

“Competitiveness and commercial value are linked goals. Better allocation of resources and strengthening of the balance between the teams are required, so that the championship becomes more balanced and attractive.

 

Continuous investment in the brand name of the Hellenic League, the use of digital media and the strengthening of international partnerships are also necessary. Football is also a product, and it must be treated with professionalism and strategy”.

 

How important do you consider the cooperation of the clubs at a strategic level for the development of Greek football?

 

“It is not just important, it is absolutely necessary. The teams should only be rivals within the competitive arena. Without a common vision and coordinated actions, there can be no substantial progress. Greek football needs a collective approach and the teams, despite their competition, must cooperate on issues concerning the overall development of the product.”


You have been at Atromitos for over two decades... What do you consider to be the biggest change the club has made?

 

“The biggest change in Atromitos is the transition from a club that had reached a deep standstill in 2005, to a stable and organized club with a presence in the top division for many years. The establishment at a high level, the participation in European competitions and the creation of a clear competitive and administrative identity with specific principles and ideals are important steps forward for our team”

 

What is the philosophy of Atromitos today at a competitive and administrative level?

 

“Atromitos has now shown their credentials, it is a team that at the core of its philosophy has consistency, organization and sustainability to the point where we know that its strengths are. At a competitive level, beyond the stability that distinguishes us, we emphasize the development of new players and the promotion of their talent. The Greek element is our main priority. At an administrative level, stability and responsibility are our basic principles”

 

How important is the presence in European competitions for a club like Atromitos?

 

“In the past decade, Atromitos has lost a significant presence in European competitions, and in 2013 it came close to exiting the Champions League. Playing in Europe is very important and our dream is to return. It is not only about the competitive level and the experiences we gain. It has to do with our financial support, but mainly with the visibility the club gains. Our return to Europe is a goal that acts as an incentive for continuous improvement..”

 

Yorgos Spanos and his contribution

 

How would you describe the administrative philosophy of George Spanos?

 

"George Spanos has grown up in the locker rooms of the stadiums. He has been in Greek football for many years, he is one of the longest-serving presidents in the Super League and is a source of inspiration for all of us.

 

His philosophy is based on stability, seriousness and long-term planning. His contribution to the development of the club is enormous, as he created a healthy operating model. Atromitos has earned the appreciation of all sports fans in Greece and this is our own "league"

 

What do you think are the elements that have allowed Atromitos to remain competitive?

 

“Certainly the administrative stability offered by the presence of George Spanos is the basic component of "Our successful recipe. From there, proper financial management and commitment to a specific plan are the key elements. The club does not easily deviate from its philosophy, which gives it stability and durability over time.”


Manos Staramopoulos

Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs

Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com

Athens (Greece)

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