The Gamma Ethniki (Greek: Γ΄ Εθνική Κατηγορία, C National Division) is the third highest football league in Greece.
Founded |
|
---|---|
Country | Greece |
Number of teams | 69 |
Level on pyramid | 3 (1965–2019 & 2021–present) 4 (2019–2021) |
Promotion to | Super League 2 |
Relegation to | Hellenic Amateur Divisions |
Domestic cup(s) | Gamma Ethniki Cup |
Top goalscorer | Giorgos Kiourkos (154 goals) |
Current: 2024–25 Gamma Ethniki |
History
editThe Gamma Ethniki began in 1965 as an amateur championship, while in 1983 it was changed to professional. Although not literally national (it is divided into North and South groups), Football League 2 is considered as a national division.
On 3 August 2010, it was announced that the division had been renamed Football League 2.[1] From season 2013–14, the football League 2 is merged by fourth division championship (Delta Ethniki) and renamed again Gamma Ethniki.[2][3] The new third division will be held in six groups, with the clubs divided basis of geographical criteria, while it will return in an amateur form.[4] From season 2014–15 until season 2016–17 the league was held in four groups, with the clubs divided basis of geographical criteria. The champion of each group was promoted to Super League 2.
From the 2017–18 season until 2022–23 season, the league will be held in eight groups, with the clubs divided by geographical criteria. The first team of each group will be qualified to a play-off tournament, consisted of two groups. The first two teams of each group will be promoted to the Super League 2.[5]
From 2023 onwards, the league will be held in four groups with 18 clubs each. The top team of each group will be promoted to the Super League 2 and bottom six teams will be relegated to Local Championships.
Current groups
edit69 clubs in 4 groups will compete in the Gamma Ethniki during the 2024–25 season.
Group | FCA | Group | FCA | Group | FCA | Group | FCA | Group | FCA |
---|
- Notes
- FCA = Football Clubs Association
Winners
editThird Division champions
editFrom 1965 to 1982
editFrom 1982 to 2013
editFrom 2013 to 2019*
edit- as the 3rd and 4th tier were merged in one league (3rd amateur tier)
- 1 In bold the champions which promoted to Football League (2nd tier).
Third (amateur) Division champions
editFrom 2019 to 2021
edit- 1 In bold the champions which promoted to Super League 2.
Third Division champions
editFrom 2021 to present
edit- 1 In bold the champions which promoted to Super League 2.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ epae.org Archived 2012-03-30 at the Wayback Machine announcement
- ^ "Συγχώνευση της Γ΄ και Δ΄ Εθνικής". kathimerini.gr. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
- ^ "ΕΠΟ, Σχέδιο αναδιάρθρωσης του ελληνικού ποδοσφαίρου" (PDF). epo.gr. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
- ^ "Ο χάρτης της νέας Γ' Εθνικής". sport24.gr. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
- ^ "Γ εθνική:το πλήρες αγωνιστικό πρόγραμμα περιόδου 2017-2018". epo.gr. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
- ^ "Γ' Εθνική: Οι πρωταθλητές στους οκτώ ομίλους - Όλα ανοιχτά για άνοδο και υποβιβασμό". www.fosonline.gr. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 30 April 2020.