Cyprus Football Weekly Round-Up -1st June 2025

Idiakez Returns to AEK Larnaca
AEK have confirmed the return of Imanol Idiakez as head coach for the 2024/25 season. The Spaniard, who previously led the club to a Cyprus Cup triumph in 2018, is set to begin his third spell with the Larnaca side. Idiakez boasts a rich CV, having coached clubs such as Real Zaragoza and Deportivo La Coruña, and recently served as Unai Emery’s assistant at Villarreal, winning the Europa League and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

AEL Strike Development Deal with Levante
AEL Limassol announced a strategic partnership with Spanish side Levante UD focused on academy development and technical training for youth players. The official signing ceremony included training sessions, workshops, and seminars for coaches and young athletes. The partnership continues over the weekend with further sessions and talent assessments, highlighting AEL’s commitment to long-term football education.

Financial Clouds Over AEL & Sofocleous
Despite progress in stabilising AEL’s finances post-Andreas Sofocleous, a legal dispute has resurfaced. The former club president faces court proceedings over unpaid debts amounting to €6.8 million incurred during his 15-year management of the club’s football operations. Sofocleous is reportedly seeking ways for the club to share this financial burden, possibly through a general assembly.

Anorthosis Make Early Transfer Moves
Despite budget constraints, Anorthosis have acted swiftly in the transfer market. Sporting director Apostolos Makridis has secured deals with seven players, including Brazilian defender Gabriel Furtado, Colombian forward Juan Pablo Ramírez, and Ghanaian midfielder Clifford Aboagye. Veteran Cypriot players such as Konstantinos Panayi and Fanis Katelaris are also joining, as Anorthosis attempt to rebuild quickly.

Player Departures at AEL and APOEL
AEL have parted ways with several Cypriot players, including midfielder Rafail Mamas (sold to FK Sarajevo), Giannis Gerolemou, and Panayiotis Zachariou. Meanwhile, Mateo Susic has announced his departure from APOEL with an emotional farewell, thanking teammates, staff, and fans.

Uncertainty Looms at APOEL
APOEL fans face uncertainty over the club’s future direction. President Prodromos Petrides is in Brazil holding talks with potential investors. The club is also bracing for a wave of player exits and salary renegotiations, while trying to manage urgent financial obligations such as unpaid wages.

Apollon Say Goodbye to Bougard
Apollon have officially ended their association with Quentin Boisgard, thanking the player for his contribution and wishing him well.

GSZ Eyes Stadium Deal with Ypsonas
GSZ spokesperson Giorgos Zachariadis confirmed discussions with Krasava (Ypsonas) for shared use of Tsirion Stadium, while minor upgrades are underway. The club awaits government funding of €8 million promised for long-term renovations.

Pafos FC Eyes Champions League Journey
Pafos FC spokesperson Christoforos Matthaiou outlined the club’s pre-season plans, with training camps in Riga and Spain ahead of Champions League qualifiers. The club will begin from the lower seeding pot and face tough opposition. The departure of club icon Jairo was also confirmed, with the club acknowledging his legendary status.

Transfer Talk and Squad Decisions at Pafos
Pafos are in talks regarding loan players and expiring contracts, while speculation continues around targets such as Umar Sadiq. No official confirmation has been given on a rumoured €800,000 release clause for defender Josip Šarlija.

Gender Inequality Debate Erupts in Cypriot Football
Strong statements were made on Alpha TV by PASP president Spyros Neofytides, footballer Nikolas Englezou, and ex-player Andria Michael, exposing gender inequalities in Cyprus football. Claims include financial disparity, lack of transparency, and insufficient resources for the women’s national team. Neofytides called out the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) for misinformation and a lack of accountability.

PASP vs CFA: War of Words Over Women’s Football
Following PASP’s accusations, the CFA responded by accusing the union of destabilising the national teams. PASP countered by defending the players’ right to speak out and criticised CFA’s dismissive attitude. The controversy highlights the systemic challenges in women’s football, including outdated kits and unequal treatment. Calls continue for genuine equality, not vague assurances.