The Football League (Greek: Φούτμπολ Λιγκ), also officially known as Beta Ethniki Katigoria (Greek: Β΄ Εθνική Κατηγορία, lit. 'Second National Division'), was second-tier professional men's association football league in Greece since its inception in 1962 as Beta Ethniki and until 2019. It then served as a third-tier professional men's association football league after the creation of the Greek Super League 2 as the new second-tier professional men's association football league and it was eventually abolished in 2021 when the 2021–22 Super League 2 went from a 12 team to a 36 team league, absorbing most of the clubs from the Football League.

History

As the Second National Division (1962–2019)

As the second tier of the Greek football league system, the Beta Ethniki was formally established in the fall of 1962, replacing an informal format of second category. All participating clubs had to disengage from their local football clubs associations' championships as a prerequisite for eligibility.

In its early years, the competition format was frequently altered each season. The competition was originally held in four groups of 14 clubs each until 1968–69, when the competition was reformatted to contain two groups. The following six years (1969–70 up to 1974–75), the competition was held with three Groups, whereas from 1975 to 1976 up to 1982–83 the league was again contested in two Groups, North and South. In the autumn of 1983, a single, pan-Hellenic League Table was established, a format that has been applied continuously until the 2012–13 season. When football in Greece became professional, the Hellenic Football Federation handed over the responsibility for the competition's organization to the Greek Professional Football Clubs Association (Greek: ΕΠΑΕ). In 2006, the Professional Football Association of the Second and Third National Divisions (Greek: ΕΕΠ Β΄ & Γ΄ Εθνικής) was set up, which replaced the Greek Professional Football Clubs Association as the governing authority of the Second and Third National Divisions.

In August 2010, the division's governing body decided to change its own, as well as the competition's distinctive title to Football League. The competition was contested as the Second National Division until 2019, when the Greek football league system was restructured and the Super League 2 was established as the new feeder league to the Super League.

As the Third National Division (2019–2021)

As of 2019, the Football League Greece replaced the Gamma Ethniki as the third tier of the Greek football league system. It was finally abolished in 2021 with most clubs being absorbed into the second tier Super League 2.

The Greece Football League is the premier professional soccer tournament in Greece, showcasing the nation's top football clubs competing for national supremacy. Established as the pinnacle of Greek football, the league features a highly competitive format where teams battle throughout the season to secure the championship title. Known for its passionate fan base, historic rivalries, and talented players, the Greece Football League offers thrilling matches and memorable moments that celebrate the rich football culture of Greece. The league also serves as a vital platform for developing local talent and promoting the sport across the country.