UEFA make decision on postponing England vs Greece after 'request from Greek FA' following George Baldock death
UEFA have made a decision on England vs Greece after the Greek FA requested the game was postponed due to the shock death of George Baldock aged just 31 on Wednesday.
The former Sheffield United defender, who joined Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer, was found dead in a pool at his home after his wife was unable to contact him for several hours.
A report from The Daily Mail claims that images seen by the response unit suggest Baldock that had passed away several hours prior to being found.
Despite being born and raised in England, Baldock had been a Greek international since 2022 due to being eligible through his grandmother.
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Baldock was capped 12 times by Greece but was not selected for their upcoming international games.
According to Greek outlet SDNA, the Greek FA had been in 'constant contact' with UEFA since the tragic news in an attempt to postpone Thursday's game at Wembley.
However, according to the report UEFA have opted against the wishes of the Greek FA as there is 'no room' to postpone the fixture at such late notice.
It has been confirmed that black armbands will be worn by both sides in tonight's match and a minutes silence in tribute to Baldock is also expected.
Tributes to Baldock have flooded in overnight, with his family confirming his death on Thursday morning.
The statement read: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time."
His club Panathinaikos blacked out their profile picture on social media platforms X and Instagram, as well as posting a statement.
"We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George," the club said.
"The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”
UEFA also paid tribute to Baldock ahead of tonight's game.
A post via X read: "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."
On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Panathinaikos and Greece defender George Baldock.
— UEFA (@UEFA) October 10, 2024
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and teammates. pic.twitter.com/78zJwDjBIP
SPORTbible have contacted UEFA for comment.
Tom Jenkins