Today (September 23, 2026), the Cyprus Football Federation celebrates its 92nd anniversary.
The CFF was founded on September 23, 1934, and its founding members were the clubs AEL, Anorthosis, APOEL, Aris, Enosis Pezoporikou – AMOL Larnaca, Olympiakos, the Turkish Club of Nicosia (LTSK), and Trust.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
As stated in the first article of its bylaws, the primary purpose of the CFF is the general cultivation and promotion of a sporting spirit in society and, more specifically, to develop and enhance the sport of soccer, as well as to protect it from any action that runs counter to sporting ideals.
Upon the establishment of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), a five-member Board of Directors assumed responsibility for drafting the Federation’s bylaws and operating regulations. The first five-member committee consisted of Anastasis Economides (Anorthosis), Fanos Ioannides (APOEL), Costas Themistocleous (Olympiakos), Neophytos Michaelides (Trust), and Mehmet Assa (Cettin Kaya).
The office of President was established in 1935, and the first President—serving for one year until 1936—was the late Dimitris Antoniadis.
The first Pan-Cyprian Championship was held in 1934–1935, and the Cyprus Cup was also organized during that same period. The TRUST team won both titles.
The CFF is the sole and exclusive body responsible for representing Cypriot soccer before public authorities, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and all other recognized federations and associations.
The CFF became a member of FIFA in 1948 and a member of UEFA in 1962, and the following year our teams began participating in the European Federation’s championships.
Immediately after the establishment of the Independent State of Cyprus, in 1960, the Cyprus national team was formed, and it played its first official match in history on November 13, 1960. It drew 1–1 with Israel at GSP Stadium in a World Cup qualifier.
Ninety-two years after its founding, the CFF continues to be the institutional pillar of Cypriot soccer, having come a long way marked by significant milestones, successes, challenges, and changes. From its early years, when soccer in Cyprus was still in its infancy, to the present day, the sport has evolved significantly and established a strong presence both in Cyprus and within the European soccer landscape.
The history of the CFF is also an important part of the history of Cypriot sports and of our country in general.
With its sights set on the future, the CFF continues on its path, with its primary goals being the further development of soccer, the strengthening of infrastructure and academies, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship, and creating even more opportunities for the younger generations who love soccer.
