"Although the specific measures (including the KOP) move in principle in the right direction, the Government considers that these are not enough."
In a written statement sent to the media, the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mr. Marios Hartsiotis, informs about the revised amending bill which is being advanced in the form of an urgent bill in the Parliament.
According to this, the Council of Ministers will have the power to decide to hold matches behind closed doors, while the Fan Associations will only be allowed to operate under the responsibility of the clubs.
The written statement of the Minister of Justice and Public Order Mr. Marios Hartsiotis in detail
In relation to today's decisions of the Cyprus Football Federation to deal with fan violence, the following are noted:
Although the specific measures are in principle moving in the right direction, the Government considers that these are not enough to immediately and effectively deal with the problem concerning the safety of citizens inside and outside the sports venues.
Based on the above, the Government immediately promotes in the form of urgent to the House of Representatives for a vote, a revised amending bill, in continuation of the one already submitted on January 17, 2024 with the following provisions, among others:
(1) The Council of Ministers shall have the authority to decide for reasons of public order and security the holding of matches without the presence of fans,
(2) Not to allow the operation of any Fan Association without the responsibility and supervision of a Sports Association.