The realisation of a new stadium for Greek football club AEK Athens FC is looking more likely, following positive discussions between its board and parliamentary opposition group Syriza

The second largest party in the Greek parliament had originally been opposed to the idea of the Thanassis Kyratsous-designed stadium, but it now appears the group will vote in favour of Article 81, which concerns the building of the new stadium.

The €70m (US$95m, £57m) project would see the construction of a 32,000-seat football venue in the Nea Filadelfeia suburb of Athens, with the plot sitting directly where the club’s legendary Nikos Goumas Stadium once stood.

The stadium's construction is expected to begin this year, with a completion date originally set for 2015 – though previous political obstacles could potentially impact this estimate.

The new Haghia Sophia Stadium has been designed after the Walls of Constantinople, with the facility also set to house a small church, a museum of refugees, executive suites, catering facilities and a specialised relaxation area with a pool, sauna and hammam.

Once the build gets underway, it is thought that between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs will be created, with 250 to 400 permanent jobs also coming to fruition once the stadium is operational.