CFA referee appointments spark controversy amid ongoing disciplinary actions

The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) has officially announced the referee assignments for the 8th round of the 2026/27 Cyprus League, scheduled to begin on October 30, 2026. While the list confirms match officials for key fixtures, such as Apollon Limassol versus Pafos FC and Karmiotissa versus Olympiakos Nicosia, notable exclusions remain regarding the VAR team from the 2nd-round match between APOEL and AEL. Officials Roberthos Kosta and Charalambos Georgiou continue to be absent from duty for the fourth consecutive week, following reports of severe disciplinary sanctions imposed by the association due to their performance during that specific encounter.

Media criticism has intensified regarding the appointment policies of chief referee instructor Antonio Damato. Analysts point out that several referees who faced public and club-level complaints for their performance in the 7th round, including Andreas Tehrany, Constantinos Fellas, and Chrysovalantis Theouli, have been reappointed for the upcoming matches. Critics argue that these decisions ignore the concerns raised by clubs like Omonia 29M and Anorthosis, with Damato seemingly disregarding the ongoing controversy surrounding officiating standards this season.