1966–67 Alpha Ethniki

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1966-67 Alpha Ethniki and the First Expansion of the Greek Football Championship

The 1966-67 season marked a significant milestone in the history of Greek football, as it was the first season of the newly expanded Greek Football Championship. The championship had previously been contested by only 15 clubs, but for this inaugural season, the number of participating teams was increased to 16.

This expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing popularity and competitiveness of Greek football, which led to a decision to expand the league from 15 to 18 clubs, effective from the 1967-68 season. To facilitate this transition, the club that finished at the bottom of the standings would be relegated to Beta Ethniki, while three teams – two from Beta Ethniki and the champion of Cyprus – would earn promotion.

The 1966-67 season was a highly competitive one, with Olympiakos FC emerging as the dominant force in Greek football. The club successfully defended its title against the top 15 clubs in Greece, showcasing its strength and consistency throughout the campaign. This achievement marked an important milestone for Olympiakos, solidifying its position as one of the most successful and storied clubs in Greek football history.

In addition to the domestic championship, several teams from Greece qualified for European competitions during this season. The champion club, Olympiakos FC, earned a spot in the 1967-68 European Cup of Champions Clubs, while the winner of the Greek Cup secured a place in the 1967-68 European Cup of Cup Winners' Cups. Furthermore, a team representing Greece participated in the European Cup of Fair Cities.

The 16 teams that competed in this inaugural season were:

* AEL 1924
* AEK Athens
* Apollon Kalamaria
* Aris Thessaloniki
* Atromitos
* Doxa Katokopias
* Iraklis Thessaloniki
* Ionikos
* Olympiakos FC
* Panathinaikos
* PAOK
* Pieria 52
* Proodeftiki
* Xanthi

The classification of teams was determined based on a points system, with wins awarded three points, draws two points, and defeats one point. In the event of a tie, the team with the best goal difference would be declared the winner.

Throughout the season, several notable matches took place, including those between Olympiak