Cypriot skeet team under investigation following European championship disqualification

Cypriot sports authorities are investigating the disqualification of the national men’s skeet team at the European Shooting Championship in Malakasa, Greece. During the team final against the Czech Republic, shooters Sotiris Antoniou, Giorgos Achilleos, and Dimitris Konstantinou walked off the field in protest after a referee ruled that a target was missed, leading to their immediate disqualification and the annulment of their scores.

The Cyprus Sport Organisation (CSO), the Sports Ethics and Protection Committee (EDPA), and the Cyprus Olympic Committee have launched formal inquiries into the incident. While the athletes and their coach protested the decision despite a video review, federation president Lenos Kyriakou admitted the walkout was an incorrect reaction while noting the controversial nature of the officiating. The Cyprus Olympic Committee is currently gathering evidence, including witness statements and official reports from the shooting federation (SKOK).

The EDPA is expected to issue a decision on the matter this Friday, while the Olympic Committee’s audit committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday. Authorities have signaled that if the investigation confirms the athletes' conduct was unsporting, they will face appropriate disciplinary consequences.