PASP reports systemic labor rights violations in lower-division Cypriot football

The Pancyprian Footballers Association (PASP) has officially reported widespread labor law violations among football clubs in the lower divisions to the Cypriot Ministry of Labor. PASP President Spyros Neofytidis stated that numerous clubs are failing to comply with national minimum wage legislation and are neglecting to make mandatory social security contributions for their players.

While the current gross minimum wage in Cyprus is set at €1,088, investigators found multiple instances where players in the second and third divisions are issued contracts with monthly salaries as low as €250 and €290. Neofytidis specifically announced an upcoming formal complaint against a second-division club that allegedly failed to pay any social insurance contributions during the previous season, despite documenting salaries of €290 in player contracts. The union leadership claims that these practices are widespread and suggests that such actions occur under the implicit direction or guidance of the Cyprus Football Association (KOP).

These reports follow ongoing concerns regarding the financial governance of lower-tier football clubs. PASP intends to continue its efforts to ensure that professional footballers receive their legal entitlements and is currently awaiting action from the Ministry of Labor following their recent formal submissions.