President Haris Loizidis presented a review of the first year of the new KOP leadership at the helm of the Federation during a press conference.

In attendance were a representative of the Cyprus Olympic Committee (KOA), members of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), the Federation’s Judicial Bodies and Arbitration Committee, Men’s National Team coach Apostolos Mantzios,  the Directors and staff members of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), and media representatives, the work accomplished over the past year was presented, along with the direction set for the future.

The central message of the event was “Bringing Soccer Closer to Society,” and as the CFF President aptly noted “This is not merely a slogan; it is precisely the mission of soccer and the essence of the multifaceted role it can and must play within society. More specifically, in education, youth, equality, social inclusion, health, safety, and the creation of positive role models.”

His speech in detail

“From the very beginning as the new leadership, we laid out a specific plan for a Cyprus Football Association (CFA) that is even more modern, more outward-looking, and closer to the clubs, to the people of soccer, and to society at large. A plan that we strive to implement every day, knowing that there is always room for more action, improvement, and progress. With a sense of responsibility, therefore, we are taking stock today and asking to be judged—as I have repeatedly said—on the basis of our work.

Our top priority was to bring the CFF closer to the clubs, closer to soccer in general, and closer to society. The Federation’s presence cannot be limited to its offices or major tournaments. It must stand alongside clubs at all levels, the STOK, women’s soccer, youth academies, developmental tournaments, and every setting where soccer can have a meaningful social impact.

As for the national teams, they are one of soccer’s strongest links to society and serve as a point of reference for the younger generation and for representing our country abroad. That is precisely why we have placed particular emphasis on reorganizing and strengthening them. We proceeded to hire a Technical Director for the Youth National Teams and launched a digital platform for soccer analysis. Furthermore, the early renewal of our contract with national team coach Apostolos Mantzios demonstrated our commitment to competitive stability and the implementation of a specific game plan.

As part of this same effort, we are also moving forward with upgrading the infrastructure that serves the needs of the youth national teams. To this end, we have secured exclusive use of the Pyrgos Community Stadium so that they can have more consistent and suitable conditions for training and preparation.

On another major issue—that of refereeing—we have decided to support Cypriot referees. In collaboration with the chairman of the Refereeing Committee, we selected exclusively Cypriot on-field referees for league matches up to three matchdays before the start of the playoffs. It was our choice to invest in their development and growth and to send a clear message of trust. Mistakes were made by Cypriot referees as well as by their foreign colleagues. Our goal remains to continually minimize these mistakes, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality and credibility of Cypriot soccer. 

The progress of Cypriot soccer is the primary objective of another decision we have made, concerning the establishment of the Soccer Technical Committee. Its mission is, with the participation of experts, to formulate a long-term strategy for the development of Cypriot soccer, the strengthening of the national teams, and the development of more Cypriot soccer players. Supporting Cypriot soccer players is not merely an aspiration, but a strategic choice that is reflected in specific initiatives and recommendations for more playing opportunities.

In the areas of education, safety, and social contribution, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, completed a grassroots coach training program in first aid, thereby enhancing the safety of children participating in youth leagues. At the same time, we signed a new four-year Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth to implement the UEFA Grassroots Football in Schools program, expanding soccer’s presence in schools. The program now covers not only elementary schools but also middle schools. At the same time, a collaboration with the Ministry is underway to promote soccer among girls aged 6 to 12, with the goal of introducing them to the sport at a young age, in a safe, organized, and encouraging environment. These are targeted actions and decisions that put the message “Soccer Closer to Society” into practice.

Furthermore, as part of our social responsibility efforts, we have implemented UEFA’s “Life After Professional Football” program, activating the Veterans’ Associations and highlighting the importance of supporting athletes after the end of their playing careers. At the same time, we continued the “Football Unites” program, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and the Kofinou State Reception Center, using soccer as a means of social integration for children with migrant and refugee backgrounds. Finally, we successfully completed the European PATHWAY program, which was coordinated by the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) from 2024 to 2026, highlighting sustainability as a key prerequisite for the development of soccer through good governance, accessibility, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion.

As the new leadership, we have placed particular emphasis on credibility, transparency, and the strengthening of institutions. We have launched initiatives to further strengthen and upgrade the Federation’s governing bodies, with the aim of safeguarding the independence, effectiveness, and trust in the institutions of Cypriot soccer.

In the same vein, we have initiated the process of revising the CFF’s Bylaws. This is a substantial reform that will further modernize the Federation’s governance.

Furthermore, throughout the year, we maintained an open and substantive dialogue with our clubs across all divisions. Through ongoing meetings and consultations, we identified issues related to the day-to-day operation of soccer at all levels and for all age groups, in women’s soccer, futsal, youth academies, and developmental competitions.

At the same time, in the same spirit that brings the CFF closer to society, in collaboration with a university, we are developing initiatives to further strengthen the Federation’s social impact, as well as support programs for young people pursuing academic studies in fields related to sports. The goal is for soccer to serve not only as a competitive arena, but also as a space for knowledge, opportunities, and career prospects for the younger generation.

Over the past year, we have also placed particular emphasis on the Federation’s international presence. The CFF actively participated in the work of FIFA, UEFA, and other European sports organizations, strengthening Cyprus’s voice in international decision-making forums. At the same time, our participation in the UEFA – European Union Contact Committee further strengthens our institutional role and our ability to participate meaningfully in European developments concerning soccer.

Finally, we continued to advance the project for the CFF Sports Center in Korno, a project of strategic importance for the national teams and the long-term development of Cypriot soccer.

We are aware that we are judged daily by the clubs, the administrations, the fans, society, and the media. Our message is clear: we are here, and the Federation’s door is open. This is how we operate, and with the same determination, we will continue to work toward a modern CFF that is  reliable, and close to the clubs, the people of soccer, and society, with the sole aim of ensuring the continuous development and progress of Cypriot soccer.”