Cyprus League enters fifth round with introduction of foreign VAR officials

The fifth round of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan is underway, featuring a notable shift in officiating policy. Following increased scrutiny regarding local referee performance, the Cyprus Football Association (KOP) has appointed Italian official Gianluca Aureliano as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for two key matches: APOEL vs. Nea Salamina on October 10 and Anorthosis vs. Pafos FC on October 11.

This decision marks the second consecutive season where the federation has brought in foreign VAR officials starting exactly from the fifth round. While the central officiating remains in the hands of Cypriot referees, the move reflects ongoing efforts to mitigate internal criticism and pressure from clubs. Additionally, reports indicate that two local officials, Rovertos Kostas and Charalampos Georgiou, have received suspensions for a significant number of matches following controversial decisions in an earlier fixture between APOEL and AEL.

The fifth round officially opened on October 9 with the Karmiotissa vs. Omonia Nicosia match. The league schedule continues through October 12, with remaining fixtures including Krasava E.N.Y. against Apollon Limassol, Olympiakos Nicosia facing Aris Limassol, AEL Limassol playing Omonia 29M, and AEK Larnaca hosting Omonia Aradippou.