Refereeing committee head addresses controversial calls in Cypriot football

Antonio D'Amato, head of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) Refereeing Committee, addressed three controversial refereeing decisions from the first five matches of the championship during a joint seminar with the Cyprus Sports Writers Association on October 13, 2026. The discussion focused on updated officiating regulations and specific incidents that occurred during the season's start.

Regarding the APOEL versus Nea Salamina match, D'Amato explained that Sastre received only a yellow card for his challenge on Varos because the referee did not interpret the action as violent, meaning VAR could not intervene. Regarding the dismissal of Cafu for spitting during the AEL against APOEL match, D'Amato declined to provide details, stating the matter is under investigation by the Federation. Concerning the red card issued to Anorthosis player Van der Kust in the season opener against AEL, D'Amato admitted the decision was complex due to the player slipping during the action.

These statements were provided to clarify the reasoning behind high-profile officiating calls that sparked public debate. The committee maintains that the process for internal review regarding the conduct of players, such as the incident involving Cafu, remains a private matter for the Federation.