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Footballers and prostitution are regularly linked in the tabloids but this is a different
story all together.
A cash-strapped Greek football team has found a new way to pay the bills, with help from
the world's oldest profession.
The players of Voukefalas Larissa amateur football team have a new pink jersey, emblazoned
with the logos of two local brothels.
The "Villa Erotica" and "Soula's House of History", have agreed to sponsor the team
after drastic government spending cuts left the country's sports organisations facing
ruin.
Prostitution is legal in Greece and operates under strict guidelines.
But brothel owner, Soula Alevridou insists the investment is not a ploy to attract new
customers.
"Publicity wasn't the main reason. The reason was that I wanted to help the kids. Now, after
seeing the many deficiencies, I want to help them even more."
Though legal, the sponsorship has ruffled a few feathers in city of Larissa.
League organisers have banned the team from wearing the jerseys during games, claiming
that the deal violates "the sporting ideal" and is inappropriate for underage supporters.
The brothels have already invested 1000 euros into the team, who are appealing the ban.
Soula's business must be booming - the 67-year-old has already stated that she intends to spend
10,000 euros to improve the action on the pitch.