Cameroonian footballer held in Cyprus over residency status

Charles Eloundou, a 31-year-old Cameroonian midfielder who has played for several Cypriot football clubs including Anorthosis, Nea Salamina, and Ethnikos Achnas, was recently arrested for an irregular residence permit status. He is currently being held at the Limnes Pre-Removal Detention Centre for Migrants. The situation is complicated by his upcoming role as a key prosecution witness in a major criminal forgery case involving the football club P.O. Achyronas Onisilos, which is scheduled for a hearing at the Famagusta District Court on September 22, 2026.

While Eloundou has recently agreed to join the club ASIL Lysi for the new season, his legal status in the Republic of Cyprus remains under review. Police sources have stated that authorities are prioritizing the ongoing criminal proceedings. Official statements indicate that the Migration Department will determine his detention status in the coming days, noting that his presence for judicial purposes will be prioritized if required for the court case. The Pancyprian Footballers’ Association is monitoring the situation, and his continued detention or potential deportation will depend on further assessment by the immigration authorities.