There are “no disagreements with the government regarding fan movement at football matches,” president of Cyprus Football Association (CFA) Giorgos Koumas said on Thursday.

Last month, the CFA board of directors unanimously decided not to amend the championship regulations for the 2024/2025 season, therefore allowing away fans to attend games.

The decision came 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.

Speaking after the CFA’s annual general assembly on Thursday, Koumas stressed the association is in ongoing communication with the justice ministry.

He assured that “all necessary measures will be taken, in collaboration with football clubs, to ensure the safety of everyone in sports venues.”

“The upcoming football season will see no changes in regulations regarding the movement of away team supporters,” Koumas said, before reiterating that the decision should not be seen as a point of contention with the government.

He also highlighted several positive developments for the CFA, including progress on the construction of a sports centre in Kornos.

“After two years of effort, the CFA has secured a planning permit for the facility,” he said. “The centre is expected to begin construction by the end of 2025, with completion targeted for early 2028,” he added.

The facility will feature a central stadium, training grounds, and various amenities, funded by UEFA and FIFA.

Koumas also mentioned the upcoming celebration of the CFA’s 90th anniversary, which is scheduled for November and will feature prominent figures, including UEFA president Aleksandr Ceferin, FIFA officials, and several heads of football federations.

Reflecting on the past year, Koumas expressed satisfaction with the CFA’s ability to meet challenges, “particularly in organising the EURO U-17 Championship, which drew over 30,000 spectators.”

The event received praise from UEFA for its high level of organisation, training facilities and hospitality.

Koumas added that the CFA hosted the UEFA executive committee meetings and the Grassroots Festival in September 2023, “further solidifying Cyprus’ reputation as a significant player in European football.”

He reported a seven per cent increase in ticket sales for the top-tier football league, with a total of 589,573 tickets sold, marking the highest attendance in 14 years.

Regarding the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Cyprus, Koumas acknowledged initial challenges but praised the “significant progress in reducing critical errors and enhancing the credibility of the league.

“The CFA will continue using VAR with three mobile units and will start the new season with Cypriot referees,” he said. “However, we remain open to bringing in foreign referees if necessary.”

Finally, he announced possible changes to the structure of the second phase of the first division, reducing the number of matches “to increase competitiveness and minimise irrelevant games.”