The government explained yesterday the decisions it made regarding the crackdown on violence in stadiums, following reactions primarily from political parties and the Footballers’ Association.
After failing to force the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) to take more drastic measures to curb violence in sports venues, the government announced its own decisions.
As is known, last Friday, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis attempted to convince the clubs and the Executive Committee of the CFA that the remaining championship and cup matches would be played without spectators until further notice.
However, the Association stuck to its previous decision to allow matches only with fans of the home team.
Following this development, the minister announced two measures in response to the insistence of the CFA not to change its decision.
According to him, the government is urgently submitting to the House of Representatives a revised amending bill, following the one already submitted on January 17, 2024, with the following provisions, among others:
- The Council of Ministers will have the authority to decide, for reasons of public order and security, to hold matches without the presence of fans.
- The operation of any Fan Association will not be allowed without the responsibility and supervision of a sports club.
Especially regarding the first decision, there were reactions from almost all parties questioning whether the Council of Ministers would convene before each match to decide whether it would be held behind closed doors or not.
Yesterday, the Minister emphasized that the wording of the bill – where most reactions are focused, as he said – would undergo detailed processing before going to the House.
At the same time, he clarified that the Council of Ministers would not make a decision on holding matches behind closed doors, but would delegate this authority either to the Minister of Justice or to the Chief of Police, so that in very strict and exceptional cases the measure of closing stadiums could be taken.
“This will happen based on Police information about public safety,” stressed Marios Hartsiotis, adding that at this point, “we have almost hit rock bottom,” emphasizing that the injury to the young girl at the Apollonas-AEL match was a warning bell.
Referring to fan associations, he said that many operate illegally without a license and legal status.
Answering a question about whether until today the decision on whether a match would be played behind closed doors was within the competence of the CFA, Mr. Hartsiotis said that the executive authority would not interfere with the autonomy of the CFA.
Now, he said, it is up to the referee to decide whether a match will be held or not. What the state seeks, he said, is in very exceptional cases for the Council of Ministers to authorize the Chief or the Minister to decide whether a match will be held behind closed doors.
