Statement from the Greek Cypriot Government
Greek Cypriot Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letimbiotis made a statement regarding the plans of FC Barcelona to hold a training camp in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Letimbiotis emphasized that they are taking necessary steps as an internationally recognized state.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail newspaper, Letimbiotis said, “We are operating through diplomacy in this process and highlighting the realities.” The spokesman stressed the importance of the international dimension of the Cyprus Issue.
The 2013 Agreement and Developments
Letimbiotis also drew attention to the agreement signed in 2013. This agreement included the conditions for the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation (TCFF) to become a member of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) in order for Turkish Cypriot teams to gain international recognition. However, due to procedural disputes over time, this agreement never came into effect.
According to reports, the agreement was signed in Zurich between TCFF President Hasan Sertoğlu and CFA President Kostas Koutsokoumnis with the participation of then FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Despite being supported by clubs in the TRNC in 2015, it could not be practically realized.
Details of the developments indicate that the CFA is demanding the TCFF to register in Southern Cyprus, while the TCFF argues that the federation should be recognized since it was established before the founding of the “Republic of Cyprus.” This situation has further complicated international relations in Cypriot football.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
