AEL Announces Player Departures Amid Seasonal Restructuring As the summer transfer window begins, AEL Limassol has officially announced the departure of twelve players as part of its annual squad reshuffle. The club issued a formal statement expressing appreciation to the outgoing athletes for their service and wishing them well in their future endeavours. Departing Players: Igal Bekker Marko Stolnik Leonel Strumia Franck Bambock Giannis Gerolemou Panayiotis Zachariou Andreas Ioannou Christos Sergiou Adonis Nikolettides Additionally, three loan players – Jose Correia, Emmanuel Toku, and Daniil Lesovoy – have completed their temporary spells and returned to their parent clubs. AEL’s approach remains consistent with many Cypriot clubs during this period, conducting annual evaluations to refresh the squad and recalibrate strategy ahead of the new season. Omonoia’s Scouting Department Sees Major Departure In a separate development, Nikolas Theodosiou has officially stepped down from his role at Omonia Nicosia after seven years of service. A key figure in the club’s scouting operations, Theodosiou progressed through the academy ranks before joining the senior team’s recruitment team. In a farewell message, he described the decision as one of the most difficult of his professional life, reflecting on his time at the club with gratitude and pride. He extended his thanks to club President Stavros Papastavrou and the board for their trust and collaboration. Theodosiou’s departure follows recent changes within Omonia’s scouting department, including the exit of Head Scout Laurent Dechaux and the return of Simos Tarapoulouzis. The restructuring has raised questions among supporters regarding the club’s recruitment direction and long-term planning. Philipos Georgiou Calls for Reform During CFA Transition Philipos Georgiou, Vice-President of the Cyprus Football Association and representative of Pafos FC, recently spoke on Sport FM 95.0, outlining his vision for transparency and reform within the CFA. Addressing the recent appointment of Charis Loizides as CFA President, Georgiou welcomed the change and expressed hope for a departure from the long-standing “presidential” model of governance. He confirmed he had been approached to run for the presidency himself but declined, citing a need for readiness and genuine commitment over symbolic leadership. Georgiou was candid about the systemic challenges facing the CFA, citing the need for equitable treatment of all clubs, improved transparency, and a more strategic approach to domestic player development. He reaffirmed Pafos FC’s investment in youth development and called for a phased, sustainable implementation of Cypriot player quotas. He also criticised the centralisation of TV rights and emphasised that financial benefits should be shared fairly across the league. His remarks underscored growing tensions among clubs regarding governance and resource allocation within Cypriot football. KOA Subleasing Scandal Triggers Criminal Investigation A detailed investigation by Phileleftheros, led by journalist Fanis Makridis, has brought to light a major scandal involving the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) and the mismanagement of state land allocated for sports infrastructure. According to the report, land granted to KOA by the Ministry of Interior was subleased to sports clubs and organisations, many of which failed to fulfil contractual obligations. Instead of developing athletic facilities, several parties repurposed the land for commercial or unauthorised use – including restaurants and other ventures. In some cases, construction occurred without permits, and in others, the land was further subleased to private investors, raising serious legal concerns. An internal KOA review identified 35 “high-risk” cases, including several prominent football clubs, community councils, and even the Cyprus Football Association (CFA). The matter is now under formal investigation by the Cyprus Police following a complaint by the Ministry of Education and referral from the Attorney General’s Office. KOA President Yiannis Ioannou confirmed that the organisation began reviewing land lease contracts in 2024, including agreements dating back to its establishment in 1969. The Republic’s Audit Office has previously flagged KOA’s failure to monitor leases, collect rent, and comply with financial reporting standards. This ongoing scandal has raised serious questions about public accountability, governance within Cypriot sport, and the need for structural reform in the management of state-owned assets. Omonoia Aradippou Secure Promising Talent and Experience Andreas Nikolaou, a 19-year-old Cyprus U21 international left-back, has signed a two-year deal with Omonoia Aradippou just months after being handed his first professional contract by Omonoia Nicosia. The move raised eyebrows, particularly as it follows a recent trend in which Nicosia’s academy products are renewed briefly before transferring elsewhere — potentially to avoid compensation settlements through the player tribunal process. Nikolaou will be aiming to gain first-team minutes and fulfil the potential that earned him international youth recognition. Aradippou, meanwhile, will hope to benefit from a well-timed and cost-effective acquisition. Joining him is Ryan Edwards, a seasoned Australian midfielder with a diverse playing background including stints at Reading, St Mirren, Burton Albion, and most recently Marbella FC in Spain. Edwards has agreed in principle to join the club, with final details pending. The 30-year-old is expected in Cyprus shortly for medical assessments. Aradippou’s recent announcements reflect their intent to blend young domestic talent with experienced international profiles as they prepare for the new season. Apollon’s Mixed Fortunes in the Market Tayrell Wouter is on the move once again, transferring to RFS Riga in Latvia after a short and underwhelming spell at Apollon Limassol. Signed from Dila Gori for approximately €250,000 in January 2025 following a strong scoring run (16 goals, 4 assists), Wouter struggled to make an impact in Limassol. He registered just one goal in 11 appearances, often behind 19-year-old Ghanaian Clinton Duodu in the pecking order. Apollon will consider the €500,000 fee received for Wouter a positive return, turning a profit despite limited contribution on the pitch. In more stable news, Angelo Sagal departs Apollon after two full seasons, a relatively rare tenure by Cypriot football standards. The Chilean forward made 51 appearances and logged over 3,000 minutes — a testament to his consistency and value to the squad during his time in Limassol. Pafos FC Confirm Permanent Signing of JaJá Pafos FC have announced the permanent acquisition of Brazilian winger JaJá from Athletico Paranaense. The 23-year-old has already spent two successful seasons on loan at the club, playing a crucial role in their recent title-winning campaign. Notable statistics: 2023/24: 31 appearances, 10 goals, 12 assists 2024/25: 28 appearances, 8 goals, 9 assists The deal, completed as a free transfer, is regarded as a major coup for Pafos. JaJá’s ability to impact matches from wide areas has made him one of the league’s standout performers. His permanent arrival further strengthens a squad that has ambitions to compete at domestic and European level again next season. AEL Limassol Refutes Transfer Speculation on Pereira AEL Limassol issued a statement on 29 June categorically denying any interest in Portuguese winger Henrique Pereira, following a rumour circulated on social media and picked up by Cypriot platforms. The club clarified that it had never approached the player, his representatives, or expressed any form of intent to sign him. In an unusual twist, the original source of the rumour appeared to be an X (formerly Twitter) account with just 11 followers. While the report was widely circulated, AEL took the opportunity to reiterate its policy of handling transfers discreetly and professionally, distancing itself from unverified speculation. The statement also served as a broader reminder of the challenges clubs face in managing online misinformation during the transfer window. Post navigation Valentinos Sielis Announces Retirement from Professional Football