Nicosia, Cyprus. The Audit Office has raised concerns over the Cyprus Sports Organisation’s ability to effectively oversee sports federations, saying it lacks meaningful intervention and enforcement tools beyond withholding state grants. A report identified weaknesses in KOA’s structure, grant monitoring procedures and oversight of private gymnastics schools.
Oversight framework
According to the report, the current legal framework limits KOA’s ability to intervene in the affairs of recognised sports federations, restricting its influence largely to organisations that depend on government funding.
“The Audit Office does not consider this framework to be healthy,” the report said, adding that sport forms an important part of society and that the state should retain a degree of oversight over recognised federations through KOA, particularly on matters affecting the development and promotion of sport.
Compliance and financial reporting
The report said there was insufficient compliance by sports federations with measures recommended by KOA and the Ethics and Safeguarding Committee for Sport, as well as significant delays in financial reporting.
Of the 85 federations recognised by KOA, 78 failed to submit their financial statements on time, while 35 had still not submitted their accounts by August 2025.
Accountability and the CFA
The report highlighted accountability issues in relation to the Cyprus Football Association, stating that there is a “misunderstood” interpretation of the concepts of independence and oversight, creating what it described as a false impression that the two cannot coexist.
It warned that a lack of transparency and accountability fuels public suspicion and ultimately damages the image of the state, KOA and the federation itself.
The Audit Office said basic supervision by KOA was both necessary and achievable without undermining the independence of sports federations, noting that all recognised federations and registered clubs are expected to support national objectives for the healthy development of sport.
Performance, audits and governance
The report found that sporting performance assessments were not adequately documented, while delays and shortcomings were observed in financial and administrative audits.
It also said the implementation of management audits by external firms was significantly below established targets.
The Audit Office said limited implementation of the Code of Good Governance and the model constitution, combined with the absence of meaningful sanctions, increased the risk of mismanagement.
Administrative weaknesses within KOA
The report also highlighted administrative weaknesses within KOA itself. It said the position of director-general remained vacant from July 2024 until December 2025, a period of 17 months, which may have created leadership gaps affecting the organisation’s smooth operation.
