Food and football - serving up a feast

Australian chef George Calombaris is a big Melbourne Victory fan. Photo / Greg Bowker

One is mastered by fleet of foot, the other by fleet of hand. Both benefit from fleet of mind and, most definitely, a healthy dollop of passion.

Food and football came together this afternoon as award-winning celebrity chef George Calombaris served some of his favourite dishes at a sold-out pre-match dinner before tonight's A-league clash between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory at North Harbour's QBE-stadium.

The dinner supported the new Huawei Business Club, a booster-style group set up to champion the Phoenix and for which a similar club exists at the Victory.

The Masterchef Australia judge is the Victory's no.1 ticket holder and a passionate follower of the beautiful game.

In it, he saw similarities with his first love, food, Mr Calombaris said.

"Food is a common language we speak globally. Football is a common language we speak globally. Food unites us. Sport unites us."

Almost 300 people reserved a seat the event, and will be served a mezze-style fare including souvlaki with braised beef and crab fillings, Greek donuts and a dessert which is a mixture of ice-cream and meringue and is flamed just before being served.

He wanted to help the Phoenix because his passion for the sport went beyond one team. It was about supporting all teams, not only the Victory.

"I think we need to support [the clubs] outside of those 90 minutes...at the moment the Phoenix is in need of support.

"It's not about the Victory versus the Phoenix. It's about football."

The Phoenix are fighting for their future after Football Federation Australia turned down the club's bid for a 10-year licence for A-league participation, instead offering four.

The club must improve its "metrics", which includes the number of people attending home matches.