Press Releases

Within the framework of the strategy for the gradual lifting of the restrictive measures, the Council of Ministers has decided today the gradual and step-by-step reopening of the sports sector.

Following a joint proposal by the Ministers of Health and Finance, after a consultation with the Cyprus Sports Organisation and the approval of the inter-ministerial Steering Committee, within the framework of the First Phase of the plan, as of 8 February personal training in all sports is permitted in outdoor sports facilities, parks, linear parks and beaches, with a maximum number of 5 participants, regardless of age, including the coach/trainer (i.e. 4 persons exercising + 1 coach/trainer). It is understood that no physical contact is allowed among those working out and that the training is only performed for exercise/fitness purposes.

In all outdoor sports facilities up to five persons, including the coach, are allowed to train, except for football fields where up to 3 separate groups are allowed to train with a maximum number of 5 persons per group. It is underlined that the members of each group must be fixed each time.

Following a consultation with the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), the following has been decided vis-à-vis the reopening of CFA leagues:

• For the second division league, group trainings are allowed as of 8 February, and the second division league matches resume, without the presence of spectators, as of 13 February.
• For the other CFA league divisions, as of 8 February personal training is permitted, without any physical contact and for exercise/fitness purposes, in groups of 5, including the coach/trainer. In football fields, 3 separate but fixed groups of 5 persons each (including the coach) may train simultaneously.

The aforementioned arrangements apply respectively to the other group sports leagues. It is understood that in open outdoor facilities of the other sports, training can be performed in a fixed group of 5 persons, including the coach.

All affected employees as well as athletes over the age of 12 must undergo a rapid antigen test through the free program of the Ministry of Health or privately by 8 February. Moreover, the 50% of sports facilities’ staff and athletes over the age of 12 must undergo a rapid antigen test on a weekly basis.

Those persons, regardless of age, wishing to go to the aforementioned venues for personal training, must send a text message (sms) to the number 8998 and select option n. 6. For underage persons without a mobile phone, their parent/legal guardian must present a signed certificate for the transport of the child to the sports/training venue. It is noted that coaches/trainers must have Form A (Confirmation for employee's movement) signed by their employer.

With regard to the upholding of the measures and compliance with the protocols and Decrees, the Cyprus Football Association will be responsible regarding football and the Cyprus Sports Organisation will be responsible for the other sports, in collaboration with the Federations. In addition, and to further strengthen testing, the Ministry of Health will be carrying out sample tests. Further clarifications will be issued by the Cyprus Sports Organisation and the competent Federations.

MK