Elizabeth Georgiou
Former president of the Cyprus Football Association (Georgos Koumas) is facing a staggering 25 charges, spanning conflicts of interest, incompatibility with office, and money laundering, tied to activities dating from 2017 through June 2025.
According to prosecutors, the allegations center on Koumas’ dual role as a KOP official, first as deputy president, then president, and as a shareholder and director of companies involved in professional sports, media, and telecommunications. These companies reportedly handled production and broadcasting of football matches, streaming services, television rights sales, and related sports programming.
Conflict of interest claims
Twenty-three of the 25 charges are linked to alleged violations of Cyprus’ law against manipulation of sports events (Law N.180(I)/2017) and Article 20 of the Criminal Code. Prosecutors argue that Koumas, while negotiating sports content deals as a KOP leader, simultaneously benefited personally through his companies that provided the same services. In simpler terms, he is accused of negotiating TV and media rights on behalf of KOP while profiting from the sale of those rights through his own firms, a clear clash between his duties and private interests.
Alleged corporate and organizational ties
The indictment also references collaborations with telecom companies, media producers, and organizations connected to football and horse racing broadcasts. In some cases, the connections allegedly involved intermediaries, but the net effect, authorities say, was the enrichment of Koumas’ private interests at the expense of his official responsibilities.
Money laundering charges
The final two charges carry particular weight: authorities claim that Koumas and his companies acquired a total of €6.56 million from the disputed deals, money allegedly tied to the conflicts of interest detailed in the other 23 charges. Prosecutors classify this as the laundering of income from unlawful activities.
Koumas is scheduled to appear in court for the start of his trial on February 26, 2026, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a high-profile legal battle over governance and corruption in Cypriot football.
