Police have completed their investigation into possible conflicts of interest involving Cyprus Football Association (CFA) president George Koumas, forwarding findings to the Attorney General’s office earlier this week.
The inquiry, which began in late 2023 with assistance from former senior district judge Alexandra Lykourgou, has collected evidence filling more than 20 box files, according to information obtained by Phileleftheros.
Investigators examined allegations of match-fixing, conflicts of interest related to Koumas’s business activities, claims regarding his influence over who commentates on football matches, and his alleged relationship with a television production company.
The police investigation extended beyond Cyprus’s borders and included other individuals reportedly connected to Koumas, gathering testimony from three former football officials who claimed the CFA president distributed television rights money from CYTA (Cyprus Telecommunications Authority) at his discretion and timing.
Under an agreement between CYTA and the CFA, the “CFA TV” was established with the federation representing clubs that joined the platform and managing agreements with television broadcasting companies. The arrangement gave the CFA exclusive rights to distribute funds to teams based on specific agreements.
According to witness statements, Koumas allegedly issued instructions to distribute CytaVision funds as he saw fit, sometimes violating agreements with clubs. Testimony suggests some teams received funds contrary to agreements, either in amount or timing, creating unfair advantages in meeting player payment obligations and UEFA criteria.
Evidence points to significant sums being provided to certain clubs while they competed against others who received no funding, potentially affecting competitive balance.
The investigation also focused on claims that Koumas controlled ABC BC Broadcasting Corporation Ltd, the company producing television coverage for matches of teams under CFA TV. Witnesses alleged a specific individual acted as Koumas’s proxy at ABC, though both the company executive and Koumas previously denied any improper relationship.
Another issue under investigation involves the CFA’s reported control over who commentates on matches broadcast by CytaVision, which witnesses claim compromises commentator independence.
The conflict of interest investigation extends to four companies registered in Seychelles and the British Virgin Islands allegedly linked to Koumas, through which he sold foreign league television rights to CYTA while simultaneously negotiating with the authority as a senior CFA official.
Conflict of interest violations are criminalised under Cyprus’s 2017 law on combating sports event manipulation and FIFA’s ethics code.
The full investigative file was submitted to the Attorney General on Tuesday for review and instructions. According to sources, Koumas has not yet been called to provide a statement to police.
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