Greece: ERT denies reports regarding Greece’s intentions to withdraw just before the Grand Final of Eurovision 2024!

As we informed you earlier and according to a publication by the Norwegian newspaper VK, which was also republished by the Swedish Aftonbladet, six countries – among them Greece – threatened to withdraw from the Grand Final of Eurovision. This scenario was avoided just 25 minutes before the start of the show, as an agreement was made.

Six delegations threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2024

According to VK, the delegations from Norway, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Portugal and Greece were negotiating with EBU threatening to withdraw from the competition. The reason behind their potential withdrawal was Israel’s participation along with Joost Klein’s disqualification. Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision 2024 participants’ list, the security measures and the behavior of members from the Israeli delegation were the main causes of the frictions that arose during the week in Malmö.

Specifically, Magnus Børmark, a member of the Norwegian band Gåte, stated that:

We were considering withdrawing until the last moment. Many of us reacted to the fact that Israel had the opportunity to use Eurovision as its own political tool. Our common point was that we did not want to participate in Eurovision to be used and stigmatized in a war propaganda machine in Israel. We participated to create a space where we can unite in music – in a political situation where everyone chooses sides and hates each other.

Ultimately, the six delegations were persuaded to compete as usual, according to VK’s article, just twenty five minutes before the Grand Final began.

ERT never considered withdrawing

According EurovisionFun’s information gathered during our stay in Malmö and today, following the publication of VK’s controversial article, ERT categorically denies the article in question.

We never discussed or considered withdrawing from the competition for any reason. The publication is inadequate at least when it comes to Greece.

Additionally, they made it clear to us that ERT receives significant financial support each year from Greek citizens for both Greece’s exclusive television rights and participation in the Eurovision Contest. As a result, they would be unable to manage our nation’s participation in the contest with the same carelessness and frivolity, just moments before the show.

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