Haris Loizides, deputy president of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), has backed those football clubs facing criminal charges over millions of euros in unpaid taxes and social insurance contributions.

Speaking during the Cyprus Coca-Cola Cup draw on Wednesday, Loizides pledged that the CFA would support clubs in negotiating debt settlements with the state, amid rising public outcry over alleged leniency.

His remarks followed media reports that the tax department will file indictments against nine clubs after they missed a final repayment deadline on December 31, 2024. Despite government-approved instalment plans, clubs owe a combined €36 million.

Loizides criticised the media for publishing club names, calling for greater respect.

“We didn’t see names of companies being published during the 2013 financial crisis,” he said, stressing the need for a solution as most major clubs are affected.

Apoel, AEL, Apollon Limassol, and Anorthosis top the list of clubs facing prosecution, with combined debts exceeding €25 million. Despite past government concessions, including a €19.5 million debt write-off in 2017, many clubs have failed to meet their obligations. Public frustration has grown, with fans demanding strict enforcement of the law. Authorities have signalled that asset freezes and bans on transfers and European participation could follow if debts remain unpaid.

Meanwhile, the government is expected to proceed with legal measures, but lobbying by club executives for a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides continues. The next steps will determine whether legal action moves forward or another deal is struck.

As expected, the quarterfinals of the Coca-Cola Cup have delivered some exciting matchups, with knockout games scheduled. While three more matchups are still pending to complete the eight teams, the draw for the quarterfinals was held at the GSP Conference Centre.

The pairings for the quarterfinals include Omonia or Spartakos facing AEL, Anorthosis playing Apollon, Enosis meeting AEK, and APOEL on May 29 taking on Paphos FC or Aris. The quarterfinal matches will start on Wednesday, January 29, with additional games potentially scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.

It’s worth noting that if teams participating in the Conference League Play-offs qualify for the quarterfinals, priority will be given to completing their cup matches, regardless of their draw position.