Cyprus Football Weekly Round-Up -18th June 2025

APOEL Nears €200 Million Investment Deal with Brazilian Firm Amid Boardroom Shake-Up

APOEL Nicosia is reportedly on the brink of securing a long-term investment deal with a Brazilian firm that could dramatically reshape the club’s financial future. According to Goal.com.cy, the proposed 20-year agreement is valued at approximately €200 million and would involve a structured funding plan aimed at stabilising the club’s finances and ensuring competitive sustainability.

Under the reported terms:

• €40 million will be allocated to debt repayment, with €2 million paid annually over two decades.
• €160 million will be directed towards the football operations budget, with an annual injection of €8 million.

The deal’s activation hinges on an initial €3 million payment, expected to be disbursed in three to four instalments by the end of August. The first tranche, anticipated this week, is seen as a crucial step. If the arrangement collapses before full execution, any funds already transferred will convert into a minority shareholding in the club.

While the deal promises to ease APOEL’s long-standing financial burdens, including legacy debts, its execution remains conditional — and fans and stakeholders alike are watching closely to see whether it transitions from negotiation to reality.

Turbulence at Board Level: Resignations Amid Internal Disagreements

Amid growing uncertainty, internal friction at the boardroom level has intensified. Vice President Antis Polydorou, along with board members Marios Athanasiou and Argyris Kythraiotis, have all tendered their resignations in protest over disagreements with club President Kyriakos Zivanaris. More resignations may follow as divisions within the administration deepen.

Behind the Deal: XP Investimentos Connection

According to SPOR FM, APOEL President Prodromos Petrides has been engaged in direct talks with representatives of XP Investimentos S.A., a heavyweight in the Brazilian and global investment landscape. XP is one of Latin America’s leading financial institutions, with a strong presence across the United States and Europe.

Sources suggest that a new subsidiary—formed by individuals linked to XP Investimentos—is being established to serve as the investment arm for the APOEL deal. This structure will comply with the legal and commercial framework agreed between the two parties.

The Brazilian group will not be expected to shoulder the club’s entire operating budget alone. Instead, their contribution will bridge the gap between APOEL’s self-generated income and the minimum target of €8 million per season.

As it stands, the imminent arrival of the first instalment is seen as the key litmus test. Without it, the deal cannot move forward.

Akritas Chlorakas have confirmed the departure of head coach Jason Puncheon, following the club’s promotion to the First Division.

Club president Vassos Theodorou, speaking to SuperSport FM, explained:

“Our intention was to continue with Jason at the helm in the top division. He built a solid team with his staff and contributed greatly to our promotion. But things changed last week.”

Theodorou clarified that the issue stemmed from Puncheon’s coaching qualifications:

“The English FA did not approve him for the UEFA Pro Licence. Without the necessary certification, he was ineligible to coach in the First Division. We tried to resolve the matter with the CFA, but it simply wasn’t possible. His contract has been terminated, but the door remains open for a return. I personally thanked him for everything. He played a major role in our success.”

Europa League Draw Déjà Vu for AEK Larnaca

In continental news, AEK Larnaca have been drawn against Partizan Belgrade in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League—a familiar matchup that rekindles past European encounters between the two clubs.

Nea Salamina Appoint Angel Lopez as New Head Coach

Nea Salamina have announced Angel Lopez as their new head coach. The Spaniard brings experience from stints at Ethnikos Achnas, Volos in Greece, and a brief spell in Bahrain with Al-Ahli Club. His return to Cyprus marks another chapter in a coaching career built on short-term, but diverse international experiences.

Domenico Messina Resigns as Refereeing Committee President

Domenico Messina, who has led the Cyprus Refereeing Committee since 2023, has officially announced his resignation.

In a written statement, Messina said:

“Last night, I informed Mr. Loizides of my intention not to renew my contract. New and exciting challenges await me.

I want to thank everyone for the respect and dedication shown during my time here. Refereeing is difficult everywhere, but in Cyprus, it’s undoubtedly tougher than in most countries.

I leave enriched by an unforgettable experience. From day one, my goal was to help improve and develop refereeing. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey.”

Messina’s tenure was marked by a firm approach to discipline, particularly in the early months, when staff members and coaches across the league saw a sharp uptick in red cards.

Charis Savvidis Outlines CFA Presidential Bid and Plans for a Cypriot League Overhaul

Charis Savvidis has confirmed that he will formally submit his candidacy for the CFA presidency by Friday, June 20, as per the federation’s statutes. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Savvidis laid out his vision for sweeping reform within Cypriot football, citing deep-rooted problems such as “distrust, prejudice, lack of transparency, and suppression of dissent.”

His proposal is built on six pillars, aimed at a complete transformation of the Cyprus Football Association, including the eventual creation of an independent League modelled on successful foreign structures.

“Right now, the CFA is not governed properly. There’s widespread disillusionment—conflicts of interest, a lack of transparency, and punishment for anyone who dares to speak out,” Savvidis stated.

He was especially critical of what he described as the CFA’s authoritarian and punitive behaviour toward clubs, particularly those who express criticism.

“People are being penalised for criticising referees or filing complaints. Instead of addressing the actual issues, the whistle-blowers are punished. That’s not governance. That’s censorship.”

Savvidis emphasised that his candidacy is not symbolic — it’s about structural reform.

He proposes:

• Transparent decision-making
• Independent oversight
• Accountability measures
• Complete restructuring of the CFA’s internal operations

The final phase of his plan involves the creation of a Cypriot League, separate from the CFA, with its own management and operational mandate.

However, Savvidis acknowledged the difficulty of establishing such a league.

“First, we need to build the right culture and framework. We cannot simply move the current problems from the CFA into a new league structure. Second, we must learn from successful leagues abroad and apply models suited to our local realities.”

He elaborated that the League would manage:

• Competition organisation
• Club licensing
• Broadcasting rights
• Image rights
• Branding
• Match scheduling
• Referee assignments

The CFA, under his plan, would retain an institutional and supervisory role, such as referee evaluation and disciplinary committees.

On the matter of TV rights, Savvidis stressed the importance of revenue sharing:

“This League should not widen the gap between the rich and poor clubs. Every team—even the smallest—must feel that they can benefit financially. And if they’re relegated, they shouldn’t collapse economically.”

As for support, Savvidis confirmed he has the backing required and will officially file his candidacy by the deadline.

Apollon Captain Chambos Kyriakou Leaves After 13 Years of Service

Apollon Limassol have confirmed the departure of club captain Chambos Kyriakou, marking the end of a 13-year journey with the Limassol side. The 30-year-old midfielder, a product of the club’s academy, leaves having made 294 appearances, with 8 goals and 8 assists to his name.

Aside from a short loan spell at Estoril in Portugal during the 2017–18 season, Kyriakou spent his entire professional career at Apollon. A long-time captain and respected leader, he lifted one league title, two Super Cups, and three FA Cups.

On the international stage, he has earned 69 caps for the Cyprus national team, representing his country with consistency and maturity across more than a decade.

CFA Election Tensions Escalate Over Allegations of Bias and Procedural Abuse

With the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) presidential elections looming, a fresh wave of internal discord has erupted among members of the CFA’s Executive Committee.

The conflict centres on Deputy President Charis Loizides, who is also a presidential candidate, and his use of the Executive Committee platform to publicly outline his pre-election positions—without offering the same opportunity to rival candidate Charis Savvidis. A series of formal letters exchanged between CFA board members, dated 17–19 June 2025, reveal growing concerns over transparency, equal access, and institutional integrity.

Document 1: Formal Objection to Agenda – “Misuse of Platform”

A letter addressed to the CFA Executive Committee and General Directorate accuses Loizides of exploiting his role to gain an unfair campaign advantage. It reads:

“Mr. Loizides is not entitled to use the Executive Committee session to promote his election platform, especially when Mr. Savvidis is not granted equal access. This is a serious abuse of power and undermines the legitimacy of the election process.”

The letter further draws parallels with past CFA leadership under George Koumas, criticising what it calls the continuation of top-down decision-making cloaked in formality.

Document 2: Demands on Refereeing Committee Transparency

Board members have also raised alarm over attempts to pre-approve referee-related proposals and appointments without full disclosure. One request demands the immediate publication of any correspondence between the CFA, UEFA, Domenico Messina, or third parties, and insists no decisions be made before the new President takes office.

There is also frustration over the recurring placement of critical items under the vague “Miscellaneous” category, bypassing proper debate.

Document 3: Reaffirmation of Core Principles

Another letter reinforces the need for institutional fairness, stating:

“The Federation belongs to the clubs — not individuals or entrenched power structures.
Positions are temporary. Principles are non-negotiable.”

The author insists that the rules must be upheld and candidates must be treated equally, warning that continued imbalance could severely damage the CFA’s credibility.

Haris Loizides Responds: “No Tolerance for Bullying”

In response, Haris Loizides sent a direct message to Demetris Grigoris, one of the most vocal critics:

“I kindly ask you to moderate your tone. We do not tolerate bullying in institutional meetings. I will address your concerns at the next session. Transparency is central to my values.”

Grigois Replies: “This Is About Fairness, Not Tone”

Grigoris wasted no time in replying:

“This isn’t about personal tone. It’s about the fact that one candidate — yourself — used an official platform during an election.

Raising objections is not bullying. Trying to silence objections is.

If transparency is a true principle of yours, then support equal opportunity for all candidates and ensure full disclosure before any decisions are made.”

The response reiterated the demand for equal representation and institutional clarity, especially concerning refereeing matters, which have long been a flashpoint in Cypriot football.