Cyprus Football Association faces turmoil over refereeing and national team selections

The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) is navigating a period of significant instability, marked by intense criticism regarding domestic refereeing and controversial national team squad selections. Following public outcry and pressure from clubs, including an investigation into a VAR incident during the APOEL-AEL match, the CFA has decided to introduce foreign VAR officials for upcoming league fixtures. CFA president Haris Loizidis confirmed the move following discussions with club leaders aimed at improving officiating standards after complaints about errors and administrative management.

Simultaneously, the federation is embroiled in a heated dispute with lawyer and former official Chris Triantafyllidis, who alleged that 'invisible hands' are influencing the exclusion of Stavros Gavriel from the national team. The CFA, through spokesperson Konstantinos Siampoullis, categorically denied these claims, asserting that squad selections by coach Apostolos Mantzios are based strictly on professional criteria. The Cyprus Referees Association has also weighed in, warning that persistent public attacks against match officials are creating a toxic environment and damaging the sport's integrity. Amidst these pressures, the resignation of committee member Dimitris Grigori has further complicated the internal situation, with the CFA struggling to restore confidence while managing a demanding schedule of international fixtures.