January 22 – The Cyprus Football Federation (KOP) has banned all away fans from matches in the first and second tiers of Cypriot football, as well as matches in the Cyprus Cup.
The decision comes after fan violence at Cypriot football matches had reached unacceptable levels league wide.
Last week the Cypriot players’ union (PASP) threatened to boycott matches in the country’s elite leagues unless authorities could guarantee the safety of players during matches. Their appeal came after another incident on Tuesday during the game between Nea Salamina and APOEL Nicosia when a substitute player for the home side was hit by a flare.
PASP and KOP held аn urgent meeting and decided to act immediately.
The day after the Cyprus FA decision, the country’s president Nikos Christodoulides warned that his government will impose a total ban of fans at football matches if the stadium violence does not come to an end.
Christodoulides said that he had communicated with the Cyprus Football Association (KOP) president, Georgios Koumas, telling him to give a warning to all clubs.
“We cannot tolerate this situation any longer and the intention of the state is, if this state of affairs is not ended, all matches will be played without the presence of fans,” Christodoulides told reporters.
The ban on away fans comes into effect for the games from 21st round of the Cypriot Championship which have to be played on January 26-28, and will remain in place until the end of the competition. The ban also includes the Cyprus Cup quarter and semi-final matches.
In its decision, the KOP said no tickets would be issued for the visiting team, and there would be no fan segregation at the stadium.
Away teams from the First Division will be allowed to transport no more than 50 people for their away games, including directors, sponsors and other players in addition to the main group. Cypriot second division teams will be able to take only 25.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1735176673labto1735176673ofdlr1735176673owedi1735176673sni@o1735176673fni1735176673