Government Cracks Down on Illegal Football Contracts: PASP Welcomes Ministry’s Directive

The Pancyprian Footballers Association (PASP) expresses its deep appreciation following the letter issued today by the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, addressed to the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), PASP, and the Cyprus Football Coaches Association.

This official correspondence confirms a critical position taken by the Ministry: professional football contracts cannot be legally signed if they offer a monthly salary below the statutory minimum wage set out in the relevant decree. Specifically, this means a minimum of €900 for the first six months of employment, increasing to €1,000 after the six-month period.

This directive applies uniformly, without exception. It makes no distinction between different football league divisions or between male and female footballers. All players who sign employment contracts with clubs are entitled to receive at least the minimum wage, as stipulated by law.

PASP takes this opportunity to strongly urge all professional footballers—both male and female—to be vigilant. Any contract that offers wages below the legal minimum directly contravenes the Minimum Wage Decree. Regardless of what is written in the contract, the club in question remains legally obligated to pay the minimum salary as mandated by law.

The Ministry’s letter also includes a particularly serious observation that must be addressed. It reveals that through recent investigations, evidence has emerged of dual contracts being used by clubs, resulting in undeclared employment.

In light of this, PASP once again reiterates its request to the CFA—originally outlined in our official correspondence dated 3 June 2025—to take immediate action. PASP are calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the actual earnings of footballers in the Second and Third Divisions, and whether there have been any disciplinary breaches, specifically related to the existence of dual contracts or hidden agreements.

PASP would like to remind all parties involved that dual contracts are not merely a matter of tax evasion or failure to declare to Social Insurance. The concealment of such contracts from the CFA itself constitutes a direct violation of the federation’s rules and those of the Licensing Committee. These are classified as serious offences, with strict penalties foreseen in the relevant regulatory frameworks.

PASP stands ready and willing to actively support this investigative process and to collaborate with the CFA in eradicating these unlawful practices. It is vital to remember that such illegal arrangements deprive players of their legal rights, including access to pensions, sickness benefits, and unemployment support, all of which should be calculated based on their actual earnings.

This is a pivotal moment for Cypriot football to demonstrate transparency, fairness, and a genuine commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of its players.