Cameroonian footballer Charles Eloundou detained over residence permit issues in Cyprus

Charles Eloundou, a 31-year-old Cameroonian midfielder who has played for clubs including Anorthosis, Nea Salamina, and Ethnikos Achnas, was arrested in Cyprus within the past 24 hours. The player, who recently agreed to join the club ASIL Lysi, is currently being held at the Limnes Pre-Removal Detention Centre for Migrants due to complications regarding his residence permit renewal.

The situation is legally sensitive because Eloundou serves as a key prosecution witness in a serious forgery case involving the football club P.O. Achyronas Onisilos. The case concerning his immigration status has been filed with the Famagusta District Court and is scheduled for a hearing on September 22, 2026. The Pancyprian Footballers’ Association (PASP) has been actively involved in monitoring the case.

While police confirm the detention is strictly related to the player's residency status, official sources indicated that his status as a key prosecution witness will be taken into account during the judicial review of his case. It remains to be seen how the court will balance his immigration requirements with the necessity of his testimony in the ongoing criminal investigation.