Cyprus Football Association begins annual referees seminar

The Cyprus Football Association (KOP) launched its three-day annual Category A Refereeing Seminar in Nicosia on August 19, 2026. The event serves as a critical preparatory phase for match officials ahead of the 2026-2027 football season and is scheduled to conclude on August 21.

Opening the seminar, KOP President Charis Loizidis emphasized the federation’s commitment to supporting Cypriot referees. Following a successful policy last season, where the federation relied exclusively on local officials until the end of the first round, Loizidis set a goal for higher performance standards this year. He urged participants to combat bias and adapt to new regulations aligned with UEFA guidelines. The event is attended by international referees, Category A officials, female international referees, observers, and VAR/AVAR specialists, with opening remarks provided by Antonio Damato, head of the Referees Committee.

This training initiative follows the federation's strategic decision to prioritize local talent over foreign appointments. Moving forward, the seminar will focus on technical preparation, integration of new rule changes, and enhancing the professional development of all match officials before official competitive matches resume.