Opposition party AKEL will propose an amendment to ensure football clubs meet their tax obligations before receiving additional funding from increased betting tax revenues.
Football clubs currently owe more than €35.5 million in tax debt, with €4.1 million due by the end of the month for clubs to remain eligible for the government’s debt settlement scheme. The betting tax paid by land-based and online operators is set to increase from 3% to 4.5% under legislation expected to pass today with support from DISY, DIKO, ELAM and EDEK.
AKEL’s amendment would require football clubs to comply with tax obligations and government debt repayment schemes before receiving funds. It would also mandate quarterly tax compliance reports from the Tax Commissioner and the Cyprus Sports Organisation, including details of specific grants.
However, the amendment is unlikely to secure majority support in parliament. Critics argue the bill already clearly outlines how betting tax revenue should be managed, with proceeds earmarked for supporting football clubs and their academies after offsetting any outstanding tax obligations.
The government is expected to clarify its position in the coming days regarding the €4.1 million in tax debt accumulated by clubs since the latest settlement scheme was implemented in 2023.
Officials are considering either revising the current scheme or creating a new one to address debts incurred after May 2023, potentially by increasing the number of instalments available to clubs for full debt repayment.
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