AEL Limassol appeals six-match ban of Cafu amid match-fixing probe

AEL Limassol officially filed an appeal on September 21, 2026, against the six-match suspension handed to midfielder Carlos Miguel Ribeiro Dias, known as Cafu, by the Cyprus Football Association’s (KOP) Judicial Committee. The sanction was imposed following an incident during the match against APOEL, where the player was accused of spitting at an opponent. Cafu has publicly denied the allegations, asserting that the footage captured by VAR actually depicted a piece of chewing gum falling from his mouth rather than an act of misconduct.

Beyond the sporting appeal, AEL president Constantinos Constantinou has initiated legal action, alleging potential match manipulation. Consequently, the Ethics and Sports Protection Committee has unanimously launched an official investigation into the incident and potential external interference with the VAR system. The probe, which is expected to last up to three months, will include the review of VAR audio logs. AEL remains optimistic that the suspension will be overturned as they provide evidence to both police and sports authorities, while calling for systemic reforms regarding the consistency of VAR application.