Footballer Charles Eloundou released from detention center in Cyprus

On August 25, 2026, 31-year-old Cameroonian footballer Charles Eloundou was released from the 'Limnes' migrant detention center in Cyprus. The athlete, who has previously played for clubs such as Anorthosis, Nea Salamina, and Ethnikos Achnas, had been detained by police following the expiration of his residence permit, despite his status as a key prosecution witness in a pending criminal forgery case.

The release was secured through the intervention of Spyros Neophytidis, executive director of the Pancyprian Footballers Association (PASP). According to Neophytidis, Eloundou, who is married to a French national, had submitted an application for the renewal of his residence permit eight months ago but became a victim of bureaucratic delays. Following appeals from the PASP, authorities approved his release pending the completion of his permit renewal process.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding administrative delays in migration procedures for long-term residents. While the immediate threat of deportation has been lifted, the player remains involved as a witness in legal proceedings, and his residency status will be finalized upon the conclusion of the pending application process.