Left-wing opposition AKEL has denounced what it calls government inaction over widespread corruption in football, describing the problem as “an open secret” that shames both sport and country.
In a strongly-worded statement released Tuesday, AKEL criticised both the current and previous administrations for failing to address long-standing issues of “lack of transparency, conflicts of interest, match-fixing, criminal offences, and huge financial interests” in Cypriot football. The party specifically noted the Cyprus Football Association’s (CFA) role in these problems.
The statement follows recent controversy over the Cyprus Sports Writers Union’s decision to withdraw a journalism award for an investigation into alleged corruption, following pressure from the CFA. Also, last week FC Omonia owner Stavros Papastavrou penned a public statement accusing CFA president George Koumas of corruption, “dictatorial methods” of running the association and conflict of interest.
“While former President Anastasiades limited himself to grandiose announcements, the current government simply whistles indifferently”, AKEL said, noting it had previously submitted proposals for football reform and attempted parliamentary oversight of the situation.
The party emphasised that Cyprus “deserves and needs clean, fair, and healthy football that honours sport and maintains fan trust”.
The criticism comes amid growing public concern about corruption in football, with investigations by journalists, committees, and sports officials revealing systemic issues in recent years.
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