This year’s upgraded event was extremely dedicated to the stars of the year and the KOP President along with his praise, also focused on the achievements of the teams that represented us in UEFA competitions.
Mr. Haris Loizidis congratulated all the protagonists and reiterated everyone’s pride in the European course of our teams, which offers significant benefits for the whole of Cypriot football.
Continuing his speech, the President referred to important sections of Cypriot football and underlined “that the effort to modernize the Federation continues. It was a year of challenges with essentially small steps forward and when there is cooperation our football can move forward. KOP will continue with consistency and determination to work for a football that is more modern, more reliable and closer to society.”
In detail n speech of the President of KOP:
ladies and gentlemen,
Dear partners,
Friends of KOP and Cypriot football,
This year was a year of challenges but also of substantial small steps of progress for Cypriot football. A year that proved that when there is cooperation, seriousness and a common goal, we can move forward.
First of all, I want to warmly congratulate Omonia Nicosia for winning the First Division Championship, as well as the other teams that secured their exit to the European competitions.
The presence of Cypriot teams in Europe makes us all proud and we wish them all success. We note that this year’s course of AEK, Omonia and Paphos gave us an additional place in the UEFA competitions, which gives even more interest to the next championship.
At the same time, congratulations are due to all the champions, cup winners and participants in the events of our Federation, in all age categories and at all levels.
In addition, let’s wish good success to the two teams, Apollo and Paphos, who will claim the cup trophy next Friday.
I also express my congratulations to the fans of all the teams, who filled the stadiums this year and passionately supported their teams. Through the cooperation of everyone, the unions, the fans, the KOP and the Police, we managed to pass a relatively quiet year. This is important and we must keep it, because football belongs first of all to his world.
For us, football is not only the first division. We have the same interest for every category, for every age, for every club and for every stadium, from the big stadiums to the rural football competitions. It is where the true love for the sport is kept alive and where the next generation of footballers is raised.
Ladies and gentlemen
Tonight, through KOP’s annual awards ceremony, we honor people and teams who have distinguished themselves with their effort, ethos and contribution. Every award is recognition of hard work and dedication. To all who will be awarded tonight, I extend my warmest congratulations.
At the same time, we are continuing the effort to modernize the Federation and Cypriot football as a whole, a process that has been evolving over the last decade. We proceeded to set up the Football Technical Committee, with the participation of technocrats. The aim is to strengthen the strategic planning and the development course of the sport.
Another important decision concerns the substantial strengthening of the presence of Cypriot footballers, through the mandatory use of a local footballer in the Coca-Cola Cup matches from the period 2026-2027.
We cannot talk about development without creating real opportunities for our own children. The Cypriot footballer needs support, trust and space to develop. At the same time, the footballers themselves need to work hard to be competitive.
We remain steadfast in our support for the Cypriot arbitration. Football has tension, pressure and emotions. It’s natural to have complaints and different approaches. But what should unite us is the common effort to improve and strengthen the credibility of Cypriot football.
Criticism is legitimate and helpful when it is well-intentioned. What does not help are extremes and nihilism. Without cooperation, calmness, solidarity and mutual respect it is difficult to succeed.
We attach particular importance to the connection between football and education and society. KOP’s collaboration with the Ministry of Education is now also extended to high schools, with educational programs, football days and actions to develop the sport.
At the same time, more than 700 children’s soccer coaches completed training in First Aid, CPR and the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator. It is an initiative that strengthens the safety of children and proves that the development of football must be accompanied by responsibility and proper protection conditions.
We also continue efforts to strengthen the infrastructure and our National teams, because our athletes need modern facilities and proper conditions for development. In this direction, we have secured the exclusive use of the Pyrgo community stadium
The presence of KOP is not limited only within Cyprus. The Federation actively participates in international developments through UEFA and FIFA, because Cyprus must have an active and substantial voice in European and international football.
I also want to dwell on the social role of football. Football is not all about matches and results. It is people, communities and social contribution. Supporting fire-stricken communities after the devastating fires was an act of responsibility and solidarity from the entire football family.
Before I close, I want to warmly thank my colleagues in the leadership of the Federation, the members of the collective bodies, the Directorate, the staff and all the partners of KOP. Their work and dedication are a key support in every attempt to progress Cypriot football.
ladies and gentlemen,
Cypriot football can only progress through collectiveness, solidarity and institutional seriousness. The Cyprus Football Federation will continue with consistency and determination to work for a football that is more modern, more reliable and closer to society.