Politis

Parliamentary Committee Investigates KOA for Leases and Transparency - Calls for 'Clean Sweep' in Cypriot Sports

Published March 4, 2026, 17:15
Parliamentary Committee Investigates KOA for Leases and Transparency - Calls for 'Clean Sweep' in Cypriot Sports

The Parliamentary Committee on Institutions of the Cypriot Parliament strongly criticized the Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO) regarding lease management and transparency, calling for a thorough 'clean sweep' in Cypriot sports. The discussion was triggered by a proposal from independent MP Alexandra Attalidou, who reported 'prolonged dysfunction' and practices raising questions of legality and good governance within the CSO. Ms. Attalidou argued that the CSO is not fulfilling its role as a supervisory authority, characterizing the situation as 'administrative and institutional failure'. She pointed out that the invocation of the autonomy of sports federations is used as an excuse to avoid control, while the state silently accepts a situation of reduced accountability. The MPs expressed concern about the lack of transparency and accountability, as well as the absence of effective supervision. The Committee President, Dimitris Dimitriou, questioned how the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) can invoke autonomy to avoid control, given that the infrastructure of the stadiums is funded by the CSO and the policing of the stadiums is borne by the taxpayer. Akel Parliamentary Spokesman Giorgos Loukaidis emphasized the need for modernization, cleansing, democratic operation, transparency and accountability in Cypriot sports, pointing out that clubs receive significant sponsorships from betting and nepotism and family ties should not be allowed. The President of the CSO, Yannis Ioannou, stated that the Board of Directors appointed in 2024 has launched an investigation into the issue of leases.