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Tag: Apollon

  • Limassol Derby Triggers High Security and Four Arrests

    Limassol Derby Triggers High Security and Four Arrests

    limassol derby — limassol derby — Limassol is under increased security surveillance as the derby between AEL and Apollon unfolds at the Alpha Mega Stadium. Police have deemed the match as “particularly difficult” and “high-risk” due to violent clashes that erupted shortly after midnight on Thursday outside an Apollon club in central Limassol.

    In light of the recent disturbances, over 300 police officers have been deployed to various strategic locations around the city to maintain order and ensure the event runs smoothly. An extensive operational plan is fully active, focusing on preventing any further incidents during the high-stakes match.

    Security measures have been notably stringent, with authorities conducting thorough checks at the stadium entrances from early afternoon. This heightened vigilance reflects the seriousness of the situation, as fans from both sides gather to show support for their teams.

    As the match commenced, police reported four arrests related to the pre-match unrest. One individual was detained for throwing a flare at officers during a march of Apollon fans towards the stadium. Another arrest was made for possessing a small amount of drugs during the entry checks. The remaining two arrests involved public insults and resisting arrest.

    Following the violent incidents outside the Apollon clubhouse, police had requested that the match be held behind closed doors to mitigate risks. However, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) rejected this proposal, allowing the derby to proceed as planned.

    The atmosphere surrounding the game remains tense, with police on high alert to respond swiftly to any signs of trouble. Fans from both sides are hopeful that the clash will proceed without further incidents, eager to witness a thrilling match.

  • Cypriot football — Cypriot Football Clubs Under Review for €30 Million Tax and Social Security Debts

    Cypriot football — Cypriot Football Clubs Under Review for €30 Million Tax and Social Security Debts

    Cypriot football clubs are facing heightened scrutiny over €30 million in tax and social security debts, with four major teams under the Tax Department’s watchful eye. APOEL, Apollon, Anorthosis, and Ethnikos Achnas have been reminded of their obligations following an ultimatum from the state, as they attempt to settle their long-standing financial responsibilities.

    Cypriot football: Tax Compliance Efforts

    The Tax Department has been monitoring the compliance of the four clubs since their reintegration into a tax debt payment plan. After a commitment to fulfil their obligations, the clubs have managed to keep up with their July payments, and officials are now awaiting their compliance for this month. The total tax debt owed by these clubs stands at €19.8 million, which represents over 50% of the total outstanding debt owed by 15 football clubs in Cyprus, amounting to more than €30 million.

    Actions from the Tax Authority

    Sotiris Markides, the Commissioner of Taxation, has made it clear that non-compliance will result in necessary actions, including potential legal measures against current and former officials of these clubs. As per the 2023 payment plan, the clubs aim to settle their debts by 2037, with some already having made significant progress.

    Individual Club Repayment Plans

    • APOEL: With a total tax debt of €11.6 million, APOEL is making monthly payments of €75,000. The club began the year with €1.8 million in outstanding debts and has since paid €700,000, with a further €200,000 scheduled for payment before the end of September.
    • Apollon: Apollon has a total tax debt of €3.8 million and has paid €150,000 immediately, with another €350,000 by the end of April. The club is set to contribute an additional €200,000 by September 1.
    • Anorthosis: Anorthosis is working to settle a tax debt of €3.2 million with a proposed immediate payment of €200,000. They were able to clear €125,000 so far this year, and the Tax Commissioner expects them to reach a 62% repayment level by September 1.
    • Ethnikos Achnas: Ethnikos Achnas has a total tax debt of €1.2 million, with outstanding payments of €101,000. They are making monthly payments of €8,000 and have proposed a division of their VAT debt into 147 smaller payments.

    Challenges with Social Security Contributions

    While the tax debts are significant, the real challenge lies with social security contributions, which total €12 million. Unlike tax debts, there is no provision for debtors to be placed on a payment plan for overdue social contributions, meaning these debts must be settled immediately.

    Current Status of Social Security Debts

    According to reports, 18 clubs have yet to settle their social security debts and are not included in any repayment plan. Only eight clubs have successfully settled these debts, with Ethnikos Achnas being the only one currently part of the overdue contributions plan. The most notable debts are as follows:

    • APOEL – €5.4 million
    • Apollon – €2.86 million
    • Anorthosis – €1.11 million
    • AEL – €963,000
    • Omonia Nicosia – €57,674
    • Omonia Aradippou – €33,466

    Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance

    The repercussions for failing to meet these financial obligations are severe. Criminal prosecutions have already been initiated against current and former board members of APOEL and Anorthosis, highlighting the seriousness with which the Tax Department is addressing these debts.

    Clubs in Good Standing

    On a more encouraging note, several clubs are compliant with their tax obligations, including Pafos FC, Omonia Nicosia, AEK, and ARIS, among others. These clubs serve as examples of financial responsibility within the sport.

    Looking Ahead

    The situation for Cypriot football clubs remains precarious, as they navigate their financial obligations while attempting to maintain their competitive edge. The coming months will be critical as the clubs work to prove their compliance and secure their positions within the tax payment plans.