Nicosia: Cyprus Football Federation's intervention was prompt and in secret and led to the cancellation of a Barcelona training camp that was set to take place in Cyprus' Turkish occupied areas, CFA President Haris Loizides told the Cyprus News Agency on Friday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Loizides stated that the cancellation itself does not call for any celebrations, emphasizing that the CFA will continue to closely monitor such actions and intervene when a violation of FIFA and UEFA regulations is detected. Loizides highlighted the existence of an agreement between FIFA, UEFA, CFA, and the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation in 2013, which allowed Turkish Cypriots to compete within the framework of FIFA and UEFA regulations.
CFA Chair explained that once informed about the camp in the occupied areas, it was evident that there were serious violations of the regulations of the international football federations.
He further mentioned that CFA's responsibility is to oversee the rules concerning purely the football aspect, while considering the prevailing political situation. However, he clarified that monitoring political issues and potential violations of EU decisions and UN resolutions falls under the jurisdiction of other competent authorities.
Loizides reiterated that CFA aims to remind everyone, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, of the 2013 agreement signed in Zurich between FIFA, UEFA, CFA, and the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation, which opened the way for children to compete within the framework of FIFA and UEFA regulations.
He concluded by stating that those who refuse to implement this agreement are also responsible for the current situation.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. An illegal entity in the occupied areas unilaterally declared in 1983 is recognised only by Turkey.