Concerns raised over the performance of football referees in Cyprus

Following recent matches, significant concerns have been raised regarding the performance of football referees, both local and international, in the Cypriot First Division. Critics argue that suspensions of one match for poor performance are insufficient and demand more radical reforms from the Cyprus Football Association (CFA). Antonio Damato, head of the Refereeing Committee, has faced criticism regarding the quality of the officials selected for high-stakes games. Some commentators believe that team complaints about referees are often used as a pretext to cover up their own tactical errors, yet they acknowledge that current refereeing standards are undeniably problematic. Comparisons have been drawn to the tenure of Milorad Mazic, who was perceived to bring in higher-tier officials. With the season reaching its conclusion, calls are mounting for the CFA to ensure that only experienced referees manage critical matches to protect the integrity of the league. These developments follow a series of reports from April 19 and 20, 2026, highlighting the ongoing tension within the Cypriot sports community.