Audit Office report reveals oversight deficiencies at the Cyprus Sports Organization

A recent special report by the Audit Office of the Republic of Cyprus has identified significant administrative and oversight weaknesses within the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA). Key findings include a 17-month vacancy in the position of director-general, lack of documented control procedures, and insufficient oversight of sports federations. Notably, the report reveals that 78 out of 85 recognized federations failed to submit financial statements on time. The Audit Office highlighted that the current legal framework limits KOA's ability to enforce accountability, particularly regarding the Cyprus Football Association (CFA). In response, KOA President Giannos Ioannou welcomed the report as a useful tool, acknowledging long-standing structural issues. The organization announced that it is currently drafting new sports legislation to be finalized within two months, while also pursuing administrative restructuring to improve transparency. Deputy Director-General Vasos Koutsiountas noted that new measures, including a unified registry for financial and athletic audits, are being implemented to link audit results directly to the disbursement of state grants. The government is also considering transforming the KOA into a Deputy Ministry of Sports to enhance institutional control.