APOEL receives major sanctions for racist incidents

The Cyprus Football Association (KOP) disciplinary committee has imposed severe penalties on APOEL football club following repeated incidents of racist behavior by supporters during the season. The club has been ordered to play one match behind closed doors and must pay a fine of €40,000. Additionally, the team is prohibited from having its supporters present at the upcoming away match against Omonia Aradippou for the 8th round of the championship.

APOEL management expressed deep disappointment, stating that these behaviors damage the club's image during its centenary year. While the decision is subject to appeal, reports indicate the club is unlikely to challenge the ruling. If the penalty is upheld, the closed-door match will likely be the cup game against Chalkanoras Idaliou on October 28. This would allow the team to have its fans present for the 9th league round match against Aris on November 8, a game marking the club’s 100-year anniversary. In separate disciplinary actions, the KOP also issued two-match bans and fines to players Kleovoulos Michail of AEK and Orestis Georgiou of Olympiakos Nicosia for unsporting behavior in their respective matches.