Appeals court upholds six-match ban for AEL Limassol's Cafu

On October 5, 2026, the Cyprus Football Association's Appeals Court rejected an appeal filed by AEL Limassol regarding the six-match suspension of Portuguese midfielder Carlos Miguel Ribeiro Dias, known as Cafu. The ruling confirmed the initial decision made by the Judicial Committee on September 16, 2026, following the player's expulsion during a derby match against APOEL.

The appeal was rejected by a majority vote, effectively keeping the original disciplinary measures in place. Although the player had argued that there was no intent to spit at or insult an opponent, the court upheld the penalty. The club had hoped for a reduction or cancellation of the ban to allow the midfielder to return to action earlier. So far, Cafu has already served two matches of his suspension.

As a result of the court's decision, Cafu remains sidelined for an additional six fixtures, including matches against Omonia 29M, Omonia Aradippou, Aris, Omonia, Heraklis Gerolakkou in the cup, and ENY. The Cyprus Football Association stated that the full, detailed text of the Appeals Court ruling will be published at a later date.