CORRUPTION CHAOS AT THE CFA UPDATE – 14/11/24

Stavros Papastavrou, president of Omonoia Nicosia, announced he received a summons from the CFA’s Disciplinary Committee following a social media post on November 11. He expressed that this action confirms his concerns about CFA’s mechanisms to silence dissent and shield itself from criticism. Papastavrou also criticised the Cyprus Sports Writers Association (EAK) for suspending an award ceremony, seeing it as another form of censorship.

Efthymios Efthymiou, President of the Ethics and Sports Protection Committee, also commented on the situation. He confirmed that investigations based on Papastavrou’s previous complaints are ongoing, led by the Attorney General, with criminal investigators appointed for serious claims. Efthymiou stated that while two points in Papastavrou’s letter fall outside the committee’s purview, they do not anticipate any new evidence and are close to completing their findings.

Konstantinos Siamboullis, CFA spokesperson, denied that the referral of Papastavrou was intended to silence him, asserting that similar procedures are standard for all officials who make critical public statements. He also clarified that CFA’s input on the EAK award was not an attempt at censorship but a genuine concern. Siamboullis expressed disappointment over the criticism, emphasising that the CFA respects journalistic independence and public opinion, viewing allegations of censorship as exploitations by third parties.