A sexual harassment case involving a female footballer has escalated after allegations emerged against a member of her team’s coaching staff.
The player reported the incident to the Cyprus Players’ Association (PASP), prompting communications between PASP officials and the club. A club official reportedly confirmed that measures were taken to remove the accused staff member from his position.
The allegations, which extend beyond inappropriate messaging, were detailed in a letter from PASP to the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) on January 13.
Sources indicate the existence of electronic platform conversations between the accused and the player, with the behaviour allegedly fitting the pattern of grooming.
The CFA responded yesterday morning with a written statement calling for PASP to report the matter to police immediately.
CFA spokesman Constantinos Shiamboullis said: “Regarding PASP’s letter to CFA and public statements concerning sexual harassment allegations of a female footballer, we urge PASP to immediately submit all evidence to the relevant police authorities. The matter is extremely serious and requires proper handling by all parties involved”.
The Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) also responded to PASP’s notification, with president Yiannis Ioannou confirming the existence of mechanisms to handle such cases.
He outlined that CSO has established partnerships with relevant services and adopted a code of practice for preventing and addressing harassment and sexual harassment.
The CSO stated it can guide the athlete through the complaint process and provide access to psychological support through state services and programmes. The organisation also confirmed that Haris Kyrillou serves as the CFA’s designated Safeguarding Officer.
The CFA said that such allegations should be directed to law enforcement authorities rather than becoming subjects of public discourse through correspondence.
The federation condemned all forms of abuse or harassment in sport and expressed readiness to provide support within its jurisdiction to individuals who have experienced such behaviour.
