Politis

PASP Expresses Discontent with KOP Circular: How Can a Foreign Player Live in Cyprus on Less Than €500?

Published January 12, 2026, 10:20
PASP Expresses Discontent with KOP Circular: How Can a Foreign Player Live in Cyprus on Less Than €500?

The Pan Cypriot Football Players Association (PASP) has voiced strong opposition to the recent circular issued by the Cyprus Football Federation (KOP) regarding the minimum wages of professional footballers. PASP accuses KOP of violating labor laws and introducing discrimination based on gender and league category. Specifically, the minimum wage for professional female footballers is set at €262, while for male footballers it is €979. A similar difference exists between the First and Second Divisions, with Second Division players receiving €457 instead of €979. PASP questions the possibility of legally employing a foreign footballer in Cyprus with a salary of €457 per month, as well as ensuring a decent living for a professional female footballer with €262. These amounts are considered humiliating, even for Cypriot professionals. The KOP circular is characterized by PASP as illegal, unconstitutional, and contrary to the principles of equal treatment and the values of the European Union. The Association calls on the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance to conduct intensive checks on football clubs. Finally, PASP commits to using all legal means to restore legality and equality in Cypriot football, in order to ensure the labor rights and human dignity of athletes.