UEFA deny Greece request to postpone England game after George Baldock’s death

UEFA has dismissed Greece’s plea to postpone their Nations League encounter against England at Wembley Stadium on Thursday evening due to the death of George Baldock.

The former Sheffield United defender was discovered dead in his swimming pool at home in Glyfada, a town south of Athens, on Wednesday evening.

Baldock joined Panathinaikos in May and played 75 minutes in last Sunday’s goalless draw at home to Olympiacos.

The 31-year-old was born in Buckingham but qualified to represent Greece at the international level via his grandmother.

Baldock has 12 caps for Greece, but he was not called up to the newest team for their Nations League matches against England and the Republic of Ireland this month.

Following the news of Baldock’s death on Wednesday evening, Greece’s Football Association contacted UEFA about the prospect of delaying the match against England.

Greece said that Baldock is still an active player for the national team, having appeared twice in March of this year, while two of his Panathinaikos teammates, including national team captain Tasos Bakasetas, are members of the current group that will face England at Wembley.

However, the Greek FA was informed that there were no open dates to reschedule the game to, therefore it could not be postponed.

‘After numerous conversations with UEFA’s highest levels since last night about tonight’s match, there was no room for postponement,’ the Greek FA stated on Thursday morning.

The Greek FA issued a separate statement on Baldock’s death, which read: “With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock.” The news of one of our young people’s unexpected death has left us with no words to express our grief. The time begs for quiet. Our condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye.’

Both England and Greece’s players will wear black armbands for the game at Wembley Stadium, and a minute’s silence will be held before kickoff.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin paid homage to Baldock during his speech at the European Club Association (ECA) General Assembly on Thursday morning.

George Baldock, a teenage Panathinaikos and Greek national team player, died last night. A young person’s death is a sad occasion. We need to remind ourselves what is essential in life,’ he remarked.

‘One day you are here, and the next you are gone. Deep and heartfelt sympathies to the player’s family, Greek football, and the football community.

UEFA also paid homage to Baldock on its social media platforms, writing: “On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Panathinaikos and Greece defender George Baldock.”

‘We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and comrades.