CFA Sets Guidelines for 2025–26 Women’s Championship Participation

The Cyprus Football Association has issued a formal circular to all member clubs outlining the structure and participation requirements for the 2025–2026 Women’s Championship.

Clubs wishing to compete must submit a written declaration by Friday, 25 July 2025 at 12:00 noon.

Mandatory Participation for Men’s Top-Tier Clubs

As part of its ongoing strategy to promote women’s football, the CFA has made it a prerequisite for all Men’s First Division clubs in the 2025–26 season to either:

• Maintain a senior women’s team competing in the Women’s Championship, or

• Operate a youth girls’ team in one of the following age categories: U18, U15, U13, or U11.

Format and Player Eligibility

The structure of the Women’s Championship will be determined based on the number of registered teams. However, all participating clubs must comply with specific regulations designed to boost the development of Cypriot players:

• Starting XI Requirements: Teams must begin each match with at least six players who are eligible for Cyprus’ national teams, hold Cypriot citizenship, or were registered with the CFA before turning 18.

• End-of-Match Requirements: By the final whistle, at least four such players must remain on the pitch.

• Non-compliance will lead to a €500 fine per player short of the quota, as enforced by the CFA Judicial Committee.

Age Restrictions and Exceptions

Players must be at least 14 years old as of 1 January 2025 to be eligible. However, up to two players aged 13 and above may participate, provided they submit a medical certificate and hold a valid health card.

Professional Player Limits

Each club may register up to 20 professional players aged over 22 on List A, but at least 10 of those must be locally developed players—defined as players registered in the CFA’s system before the age of 18.

If a club has fewer than 10 such players, the total number of permitted professionals on List A will be reduced proportionately.

Additionally, no club is allowed to register more than three non-European players across both registration lists (A & B).

Coaching Staff Requirements

All women’s teams must employ a:

• Head coach holding at least a UEFA A License

• Assistant coach with a minimum UEFA B License

These staff members must be listed on the official match report and may not hold any other roles within the club outside of the Women’s Championship.