# Cyprus football VAR controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cyprus-football-var-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-21T14:35:26.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Konstantinos Konstantinou, president of the football club AEL Limassol, announced intentions to file a formal police complaint following a match against APOEL. The club raised concerns regarding a red card and alleged external interference with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, noting that protocol prohibits communication from production to the VAR.

The Cyprus Football Association's Referees Committee subsequently concluded an investigation into the VAR procedures used during the match. The inquiry focused on the specific procedures followed by the VAR team rather than the accuracy of the final decision. The committee noted that VAR protocols allow for an On-Field Review even after play has resumed in cases of potential offenses like spitting.

Following the investigation, the Referees Committee announced it would proceed with necessary actions and sanctions where appropriate. New measures will also be implemented regarding VAR operations to ensure compliance with FIFA and IFAB guidelines and to prevent future incidents.

## Claims

- The Cyprus Football Association completed an investigation into the VAR procedure during the APOEL–AEL match. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investigation was conducted by the Referees Committee under the chairmanship of Antonio Damato. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investigation focused on the VAR team's procedure rather than the correctness of the referee's final decision. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Referees Committee will proceed with appropriate sanctions based on the investigation findings. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Measures will be implemented to improve VAR procedures and ensure compliance with protocols. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Cyprus Football Association concludes VAR investigation into APOEL–AEL match

The Cyprus Football Association has completed an investigation into VAR procedures during the APOEL–AEL match, announcing that sanctions and procedural improvements will follow.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-football-association-concludes-var-investigation-into-apoelael-match

### 2026-09-20: AEL Limassol president to file police complaint over VAR interference

AEL Limassol president Konstantinos Konstantinou plans to file a police complaint regarding alleged external interference with the VAR system and issues surrounding a red card.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ael-limassol-president-to-file-police-complaint-over-var-interference

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Cite as: Cyprus football VAR controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cyprus-football-var-controversy