George Koumas informed the members of the Executive Committee of the Cyprus Football Association of his decision to step down from the Presidency of the Association.

Below is a written statement from Mr. Koumas regarding his decision:

“With a sense of responsibility and after careful consideration, I informed my colleagues on the Executive Committee of my decision to step down from the position of President of the Cyprus Football Association. This is a decision I have been contemplating over the past several months, and I now feel that the time is right to proceed with it.

In football, there is no middle ground. When you feel deep inside that the time has come to leave, you must not postpone it. I have therefore chosen to take this step now, right after the end of the football season, so that there is sufficient time to initiate the necessary procedures and take the decisions that will ensure a smooth and well-organized start to the new season.

My decision is also linked to a realization I can no longer ignore. In recent times, I have become a target—and inevitably, along with me, the CFA and Cypriot football as a whole have also been targeted. With my departure, I aim to protect the sport. To put an end to the attacks that are made solely because of me. Above all, football must remain untouched by personal agendas and conflicts.

I am stepping down from the presidency of the CFA, but I remain active at the international level, continuing my recently renewed third term as a member of the FIFA Council. At the same time, I continue to serve as a member of the UEFA Executive Committee, with increased responsibilities and duties.

I have served the Cyprus Football Association with all my strength, without expecting universal recognition. That was never my goal. My journey began with the team of my hometown and progressed, step by step, through various roles within the Association, until I had the great honor of serving as its President.

The CFA is an extremely demanding environment. “Teammates” are at the same time “opponents.” As President, I did everything within my power for the good of all clubs, for the good of football, and above all, for the good of my country.

Football is a living organism, full of passion, emotion, and constant criticism. Criticism that often hurts—but it is part of the journey. Anyone who chooses to take on such roles must be able to withstand it. Because they are there by choice, not by obligation.

In recent years, significant and meaningful steps have been taken to upgrade Cypriot football. I firmly believe that this path must continue. I hope to see the realization of the projects that were planned—from the completion of the new sports center in Kornos to the strengthening of Cypriot male and female footballers, who are the backbone of the sport in Cyprus.

I have asked the Executive Committee to immediately initiate the procedures for filling the position of President. There is important work ahead, decisions to be made, and responsibilities to be assumed, so that the CFA and Cypriot football can continue on their steady path with vision and consistency.

As I close this chapter, I feel the need to express my sincere gratitude—to my colleagues in the leadership of the CFA, the management and staff of the Association, the club presidents, board members, coaches, male and female players. Special thanks also go to the referees, observers, and all professionals and volunteers who support the sport every day.

I extend heartfelt thanks to the fans. I know it’s impossible to please everyone, nor is it realistic to try to be liked by all. My message is clear: love and support your teams with passion, but recognize that others have the same right to do the same. Rivalry has meaning only on the pitch—and it ends with the final whistle.

Lastly, I want to thank my family. I know well that they often found themselves in difficult situations because of my public role and responsibilities. Yet they stood by me with resilience and faith. This is the price for those who choose to serve institutions and hold public office—and it is a price I accepted from the start.

I wish everyone all the best going forward—good health, progress, and a peaceful, beautiful summer.”