President’s statements about corruption and criminal elements in football
Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou on President’s statements about President’s statements about corruption and criminal elements in football
We haven’t seen anything substantive done yet by the government
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 17th January 2020, Nicosia
President Anastasiades spoke yesterday about corruption and the presence of criminal elements in Cypriot football. That is, the President has acknowledged what Cyprus has known for some years.
Last night Mr. Anastasiades again said the same thing as in 2015. Back then he yet again admitted that there was corruption in football and committed himself to apply “stricter control mechanisms over those associated with football, e.g. betting, TV rights, etc.” He pledged “measures will be taken soon” for “stricter scrutiny of the leadership of the Cyprus Sports Federation KOA” (19.02.2015).
But nothing substantive was done, neither by Nikos Anastasiades himself, nor his government.
The corruption and interwoven interests in football continue. The same goes with regards UEFA sending “red envelopes” for match-fixing, but we haven’t seen anything substantive done yet by the government, KOA, the prosecuting authorities and the leadership of the Cyprus Football Federation.
The responsibility of the President and government isn’t to arrive at conclusions and repeat them every 2 or 3 years, essentially admitting their failure or indifference. Their responsibility is to take drastic and radical action. They should hold KOA and the football association leadership to account.
People have had enough of conclusions and declarations.
