Outcry follows Pegeia Akamas' 18-0 victory over APOEL in women's football

On October 3, 2026, the Women's Football Championship match between Pegeia/Akamas and APOEL concluded with a lopsided 18-0 scoreline in favor of the hosts. The result sparked significant controversy, primarily initiated by Charis Vasiliou, the head of APOEL's futsal department, who publicly criticized the sportsmanship displayed by the winning team.

Vasiliou highlighted a major disparity in squad composition, noting that Pegeia/Akamas fielded eight foreign players, while APOEL played with only two foreign players and three athletes under the age of 16. Comparing the match to last season, he argued that the championship-winning futsal team maintained respect for their opponents by never exceeding a seven-goal margin of victory, regardless of the level of play. The incident has drawn attention to issues regarding competitive balance and the application of Fair Play principles within the local women's league.

While the score has been officially recorded, the public remarks from APOEL management indicate a growing tension surrounding roster regulations and internal league dynamics. No further official disciplinary actions or league investigations have been announced as of yet, though the criticism highlights a broader debate about ethical standards in youth-inclusive professional matches.