January 17 – Cypriot national player Elena Aristodimou (pictured) has sharply criticised the Cyprus Football Federation for its attitude towards women’s football in the country and the lack of any development in the last few years.
Aristodimou, a Swiss Sion player, used social media to reveal shocking details about women’s football in Cyprus. The Cypriot Footballers’ Association (PASP) said that Aristodimou was subject to sexual harassment and that it had reported this to the Cyprus Football Federation, but there has currently been no development on the matter.
“The Cyprus Footballers’ Association confirms that it was approached a few days ago by a female footballer, who revealed that she had been a victim of sexual harassment and requested the association’s assistance and protection,” said a PASP statement.
“The female footballer wishes, at this stage, to remain anonymous and to be informed about the protection and support mechanisms that the sports authorities have established. PASP. has addressed the CFA, requesting their cooperation and assistance. Given the seriousness of the matter, PASP does not consider it appropriate to engage in any public discussion.”
A few days later Aristodimou criticised the Cyprus Football Federation for the state of women’s football in Cyprus and revealed details about what is happening in the country’s national team.
Aristodimou posting in full:
“Talking advantage of recent events in Cyprus – it is more than obvious that women’s football here lacks the attention and support it deserves from the Federation. The players show up and give their all, but how can we truly perform at a “professional level” without proper backing. It’s incomprehensible that the Cyprus League has had only six teams for three consecutive seasons, and now there’s just four teams before the season even ends,” said Aristodimou.
“We’re in 2025 – a time when women’s football is thriving globally: stadiums are packed, players are celebrated as role models, jerseys are selling out, millions are turning in to watch games on TV, teams turning profits and academies are developing professional players. Yet, in Cyprus, we are struggling to keep women’s football alive.
“For starters, there is zero promotion for women’s football in Cyprus. Showing one game on TV per week is not promotion. There are no posts, no advertisements, no effort to raise awareness about the Women’s League.
“As for the National Team, the few games aired on TV are shown on private channels requiring subscription or pay-per-view fees. There is no promotion on social media or TV about Women’s National Team matches. In contrast, the best games in women’s football; (like the Women’s Champions League) are broadcasted for free. How can you encourage people to support women’s football when there’s no genuine attempt to promote it? And how can you expect us to perform at our best for our country when we feel neither appreciated nor supported?
“I have been part of the Women’s National Team since I was 16 years old. It’s been seven years, and I’ve never worn a jersey that fits my size. We’ve used the same clothes for years and have worn a different brand than Men’s National Team for just as long.
“When our National Team plays abroad, we always endure travel times of 13+ hours because somehow, there’s never a better flight option. In one instance, before a game against Georgia on 04/046/2024, we traveled the day before the match. In another camp, the team had to split into two groups and take separate flights. How can we perform at our physical best when we’re exhausted and lack proper recovery resources after traveling?
“Lastly, in month’s time, the Women’s National Team will have official Nations League matches. Yet, we haven’t played any friendly game against other National Team to prepare. How we can be ready when we lack the support needed to organise training camps and competitive matches?
“In all the years I’ve been part of the National Team and played in the Cyprus league, I’ve seen no real change beyond empty words. The players continue to show up because we low the game and want to represent our country. The least you could do is to show us the respect we deserve.
“And the bigger question remains: what about all the young girls playing in academies? Will they be forced to stop? Where will they play when they grow up?”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1737151936labto1737151936ofdlr1737151936owedi1737151936sni@o1737151936fni1737151936