Cyprus Football Association celebrates 90th anniversary
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
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The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) marked its 90th anniversary with a gala in Limassol, celebrating Cypriot football's many achievements and those who have worked for its improvement.
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The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) celebrated its 90-year anniversary in style with distinguished guests – both from the island and abroad – coming together to mark the occasion at a gala event in Limassol.
CFA President George Koumas was joined by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, presidents and representatives of 30 association members from Europe, as well as FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov.
Also in attendance were President of Cyprus’ House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis and Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) President Yiannis Ioannou.
Small nation, big results
Despite having never reached a major men’s tournament, the island’s national team has still recorded some eye-catching qualifying wins throughout the years including a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland and George Best in 1971, draws against Italy, France, Germany and Portugal, and famous victories against Spain, Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At club level, Cyprus has seen greater success, with APOEL’s remarkable run to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in 2012 the epitome of those accomplishments as the country of barely a million people continuously punched above its weight.
Other sides that have frequented the UEFA club competition group stages include AEK Larnaca, Anorthosis Famagusta, AC Omonia Nicosia, Apollon Limassol, AEL Limassol, Aris Limassol and Pafos.
Celebrating Cypriot football
“Tonight we have a historic duty to honour Cypriot football, the CFA and its respective leaders throughout the years who, with their work, contributed decisively to the formation and development of the sport in our country,” said President Koumas.
“We honour not only the protagonists but also the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly and with sheer devotion behind the scenes.”
Koumas also reflected on the 11 years since the joint declaration between the CFA and representatives of the Turkish Cypriot football federation and called on the Turkish Cypriots to work together with Greek Cypriots in helping to unify local football on the island.
“The CFA is ready to welcome you as it initially agreed until the political problem is resolved. Cyprus is too small a place to be divided.”
President Čeferin noted the steady progress football has enjoyed under the CFA, while an audiovisual message from FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also broadcast during the event.
