Cyprus Federation: Introduces relegation and relegation for teams with frequent incidents of violence

The decision to introduce heavy penalties, from zero to relegation to teams that have been considered responsible for frequent incidents of violence, was taken by the Cyprus Football Federation.

This is made known by COP in a relevant announcement that he issued in which he informs about the meeting that the executive committee of KOP had with the competent minister.

The announcement from the Federation in detail:

“The Executive Committee of the KOP, in the presence of the Presidents of A’ Category groups, met today with the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mr. Marios Hartsiotis.

During the Minister’s presence, there was an exchange of views regarding the latest incidents of fan violence. The Executive Committee and the Presidents of the groups listened with particular attention to what the Minister of Justice testified.

We completely agree with the concern and reflection expressed by the Government regarding the images we all watched in the previous days. We are listening to the same messages as the Government, that this situation needs to be addressed. Our ultimate goal is to limit and if possible eliminate fan violence.

As an organizing authority, we assume our responsibilities and wish to be the first to isolate and exclude bad fans from the playing fields.

At the same time, we recognize the right of sane fans to be able to watch their favorite sport. We are willing as the Cyprus Football Federation to cooperate with the Government, the Unions, the organized fans and all relevant bodies to achieve this goal.

It is our declared position that violence has no place in the stadiums and in sports in general.

From today the implementation of a measure for which the Federation has received strong criticism, however the decision to ban the movement of fans will apply at all costs as we are convinced that it can act as a deterrent in reducing incidents of violence.

We will monitor the implementation of this measure, hoping that it will bring the desired results. We will come back if the results are not as desired.

At the same time, as mentioned in the recent decision of the KOP Board of Directors, a recommendation was made to the Sports Referee for the exhaustive application of the strict penalties provided for in the Disciplinary Regulations, which, among other things, provide for teams whose fans are involved in serious incidents:

The Sports Referee of the Federation will not hesitate to impose the above penalties on delinquent clubs.

At the next session of the Board of Directors of the KOP, the issue of codification of the above penalties will be raised so that their imposition is not at the discretion of the Sports Referee.

The KOP Executive Committee held the groups accountable, emphasizing their collective responsibility to combat violence.

All the above measures are not theoretical and neither are wishful thinking. They confirm the will and determination of the KOP for football matches to be held in safe conditions and this concerns everyone, the footballers, the coaches, the young children who are on the pitch and all the workers in a football match but above all, the right fans .”