Twenty investigations delivered by the Sport Ethics and Protection Committee since 2021 have failed to produce a single conviction for serious criminal offences, Parliament’s Institutions Committee heard yesterday.
Police data obtained by Phileleftheros shows the only six convictions concerned misdemeanours such as illegal betting, with defendants ordered to pay fines only.
The 2017 Law on Combating the Manipulation of Sports Events provides for prison sentences of up to seven years for specific offences. The data reveals no convictions for conflict of interest or manipulation of sports events, issues that have plagued Cypriot sport for years.
Police data submitted to Parliament yesterday shows how authorities handled the 20 investigation findings delivered by the Sport Ethics and Protection Committee:
Fifteen findings: Nine were archived, one is under investigation, one led to prosecution with monetary penalties imposed, whilst four findings were forwarded to the Law Office.
One finding comprising three cases: Investigation into one case concerning conflict of interest remains pending, whilst the other two cases face ongoing prosecution with files forwarded to the Law Office.
One finding comprising eight sections: Files for five sections are archived, two face ongoing prosecution, and one section has investigating officers appointed with a criminal investigator subsequently appointed by the Law Office.
One finding comprising six cases: Two cases filed in court and under hearing, two cases resulted in courts imposing monetary penalties, one remains under investigation and one archived.
One finding comprising two cases: One prosecution for betting resulted in a monetary penalty, whilst the other case archived.
One finding concerning two cases: Both cases remain with the Law Office for instructions.
MP Alexandra Attalidou noted the data lacks dates, making it difficult to assess timeframes. The cases that resulted in convictions do not fall into the category of serious criminal offences, MPs observed. MP Andreas Pasiourtides commented such penalties might concern a team coach who placed bets on another club’s match.
APOEL-ENAD case in courts
Police Sub-Officer Lakis Andreou, who heads the office examining sports-related cases, provided specific details for only one finding after questioning, as the resulting cases already occupy the courts.
He referred to a case filed in court concerning two individuals who “possibly relate to the manipulation of the ENAD-APOEL basketball match”.
The match took place on 22 December 2021, with the Sport Ethics and Protection Committee deciding to investigate in January 2022.
Andreou stated the investigation produced incriminating evidence against the defendants that was assessed as significant.
A second case before the courts concerns the same finding from the committee’s basketball investigation. Andreou explained it involves a conflict of interest, as one official served as club administrator whilst also acting as agent for basketball players.
He stated two further cases related to the same finding have been filed in court concerning illegal betting.
Stefanos Skordis, appointed as the new chairman of the Sport Ethics and Protection Committee after yesterday’s Institutions Committee session, stated 15-16 investigations remain open.
When questioned by committee chairman Demetris Demetriou, he clarified that findings for two investigations have been delivered but await final approval, as the Sport Ethics Committee has lacked legal composition since June, when Andreas Kapardis resigned as head.
Skordis explained approximately 14-15 other investigations remain ongoing.
Koumas file with Attorney General since 9 September
MPs questioned the case concerning potential conflict of interest by former Cyprus Football Association president Yiorgos Koumas regarding television rights management.
Phileleftheros revealed in 2018 through documents that Koumas held dual roles as a senior federation official and businessman trading television rights for football and other teams, conducting business with CytaVision in this capacity.
Andreou confirmed recent Phileleftheros reporting, stating the case file reached the Law Office on 9 September. He explained that after delivering the finding to the Law Office, the Attorney General’s office twice requested additional investigative actions.
Duplicate investigations and delays under parliamentary scrutiny
MPs made numerous interventions during the session, highlighting the slow pace at which cases reach court. Their criticism clearly did not target police representatives.
MP Irene Charalambidou commented it is unacceptable for findings to be delivered and four years to pass before clarifying “if, when and whether they will proceed to courts”.
MP Yiorgos Loukaidis made pointed remarks about delays in advancing criminal cases and the opportunity afforded to those affected to contaminate investigative work.
Demetris Demetriou indirectly expressed the view that the entire system presents problems, specifically referring to the fact that the Independent Authority Against Corruption and the Sport Ethics and Protection Committee hold investigative but not prosecutorial powers.
Evidence and testimony collected by these two bodies must undergo fresh investigation by police to hold prosecutorial value, provided the Attorney General issues instructions.
Investigations thus occur twice, inevitably causing delays, as case files must be forwarded to the Attorney General at each stage for instructions and final decisions.
State land investigation
A major investigation concerning criminal offences related to state land managed by the Cyprus Sports Organisation that ended up with associations which sublet it to businessmen will soon occupy prosecuting authorities, based on yesterday’s parliamentary proceedings.
Phileleftheros revealed the issue on 29 June 2025. Cyprus Sports Organisation representative Vasos Koutsiountas stated deputy committee chairman Efthymios Efthymiou, who participated actively in the investigation, has gathered significant evidence, including aerial photographs and data establishing land values.
Skordis appointed chairman
The Presidency announced yesterday afternoon that Stefanos Skordis, previously a committee member, has been appointed chairman of the Sport Ethics and Protection Committee.
He replaces Andreas Kapardis, who resigned as head on 16 June 2025. Lawyer Nikolas Konstantinou was appointed as member in Skordis’s place. The current administrative board’s term expires on 16 January 2029.
