Audit office identifies significant oversight and governance failures at the Cyprus Sports Organisation

On June 9, 2026, the Audit Office of Cyprus released a special report detailing systemic weaknesses in the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA). The report notes that KOA lacks effective intervention tools beyond withholding state grants, leading to gaps in overseeing sports federations and private gymnastics schools. A key concern is the administrative vacuum caused by a 17-month vacancy in the position of director-general. Out of 85 recognized federations, 78 failed to submit financial statements on time, with 35 missing by August 2025. The Audit Office highlights that the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) operates as a closed system, incorrectly interpreting independence as immunity from accountability. Furthermore, the report identifies conflicts of interest, including instances of board members related to athletes, federations employing coaches who also serve on club boards, and inconsistent handling of complaints. Auditor General Andreas Papakonstantinou emphasized that these governance failures undermine the state's ability to promote healthy sports development.