Tackling football violence in Cyprus: how controversial fan ID cards have impacted the game

When one thinks of Cypriot football, teams like Apoel Nicosia, Anorthosis Famagusta, Omonoia Nicosia, Ael Limassol and Apollon Limassol are the first names that come to mind. In the last decade, the Cypriot teams have had a lot of success in European competitions, especially during season 2011-2012 when Apoel Nicosia made it to the last 8 of the Champions League.

However, in domestic football (and across domestic sport in Cyprus in general), there has been a big problem with violence in and around stadiums.  This had led to the introduction of specific legislation to try to combat the problem. 

This article examines the legislation, with particular focus on its introduction of a controversial “Fan ID Card”.  It will look in turn at:

• The Prevention and Suppression of Violence in Stadiums (Reform) Act 2014;
• How the Fan ID Card works;
• The response of the fans and teams;
• Legal issues with the Fan ID Card; and
• What might happen next.