Football association rules away fans allowed to attend games

The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) board of directors on Monday unanimously decided not to amend the championship regulations for the 2024/2025 season, therefore allowing visiting team fans to attend away games.

The decision comes despite objections from Justice Minister Marios Hatsiotis, who supported continuing the ban on fan movement implemented from late January to the end of the 2023-2024 championship.

CFA president Giorgos Koumas informed the board of the minister’s position during Monday’s meeting. However, the board remained firm in its decision to allow the movement of visiting fans.

In addition to the decision, the board also expressed its readiness to support efforts to address and limit stadium violence in collaboration with clubs.

As a result, the disciplinary code in place to deal with episode of violence at stadiums and sports venues has been amended to impose stricter penalties for offenders and for people bringing dangerous objects into stadiums. A more detailed document outlining the anticipated changes will be sent to Hatsiotis on Tuesday.

Moreover, in collaboration with European football body UEFA, the CFA is planning a new series of educational seminars. UEFA experts are set to visit Cyprus in the upcoming weeks to provide training to police officers deployed at stadiums during matches.