AEL Limassol contests CAF U's six-match ban following disciplinary dispute

AEL Limassol has officially challenged a six-match suspension imposed on their player Carlos Miguel Ribeiro Dias, known as Cafu, following his expulsion during the APOEL versus AEL match on September 6, 2026. The club filed a formal complaint with the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) on September 14, 2026, demanding a full investigation into the VAR review process that led to the red card. AEL executives, including Nicolas Leventis, expressed concerns regarding potential unauthorized external intervention in the VAR decision-making process and requested that all audiovisual communications between production and the VAR room be preserved and reviewed.

Despite the club's request to delay the disciplinary hearing until their complaint regarding the VAR process could be addressed, the CFA Judicial Committee rejected the motion. The Committee stated that the complaint involves a different institutional branch of the federation and does not influence the specific disciplinary proceedings against the player.

In addition to the immediate case, AEL has publicly criticized the CFA for perceived inconsistencies in the application of disciplinary regulations, citing past events like the recent Cup Final as examples of alleged preferential treatment. The club has vowed to defend its player through all available channels.