Cyprus Amateur Football Federation
The Cyprus Amateur Football Federation (CAFF) (Greek: Κυπριακή Ερασιτεχνική Ποδοσφαιρική Ομοσπονδία) was founded in 1948 by leftist actors and athletes. The establishment meant the division of the Cyprus football for 5 years into two federations. The CAFF held its own league and cup.
Before the establishment of CFFA
At the time of the founding of CFFA, Greece was political turmoil due to the conflict between the right and left in the Greek Civil War. The situation in Greece moved to Cyprus and penetrated both in political life, and in sports.[1] Most sports factors occupied with politics.
In Famagusta, the GSE (Gymnastic Club Evagoras) and Anorthosis were the only clubs involved in sports. Within the ranks of the GSE had progressive athletes who were the top in Cyprus, while Anorthosis played players with progressive ideas. However, in the spirit of that era, both the GSE and Anorthosis began to impose restrictions of various kinds. Because people with progressive ideas in the ranks of Anorthosis started to rise, members of Anorthosis who wanted to nationalist-dominated climate the club decided to place restrictions on the admission of members and specifically limited to people with progressive ideas.[2][3] Also, players who were considered people with progressive ideas, not promoted. Since the beginning of 1947 a portion of Famagusta progressive people inside and outside of GSE and Anorthosis felt that there was room for the creation of a second club in the city. In front of the imposing restrictions, envisioned a club that would be away from politics and will "embrace" all working class of Famagusta, in order to spread the sports [3]>.[1] Thus, on March 7, 1948, the first progressive club established, Nea Salamis Famagusta FC. A similar atmosphere against progressive athletes prevailed in other cities of Cyprus. In Larnaca founded on 10 April, Alki Larnaca FC.
One month later, before the Cypriot track and field Games in May 1948, SEGAS, Hellenic Amateur Athletic Association, asked all the Gymnastics Association of Cyprus indicate that the clubs "nationalist beliefs".[1][2] The Athletic Club and rightists athletes signed these statements. The only club that refused to sign the statement was the Gymnastic Association "Kinyras" Paphos and this precluded from racing. Progressives athletes were opposed to the statement made by their clubs, refused to sign statements and renounced their ideological beliefs,[1][2] the first to react to are the champions of the GSE, Antonis Totsis and Nikis Georgiou. The GSE invited the two athletes apology but the two athletes insisted on their opinion that sport should stay away from politics.[4] Additionally, progressives athletes decided to support the Gymnastic Association "Kinyras" Paphos, if it does not allowed to take part in the Cypriot Track and field Games. Progressives athletes GSE, who had assured the first positions, sacrificed them to support Kinyras. The GSE had a very strong team and was confident for first place in the games. But after this development finished third. The GSE acting vindictively for the fact that athletes of Nea Salamis were not involved in the Cypriot Games, sent a letter to the club informed that prohibited the entrance of the GSE Stadium,[1][2][4] a letter signed by the President of GSE.[5] Followed deletions and other athletes from GSE and Anorthosis, who had to stand by his teammates.[4]
Meanwhile, Gymnastic Club Zenon (GSZ) in general meeting, banned Alki from using the GSZ Stadium.[2][4][5] A similar proposal to exclude Turks and Catholics rejected. At the same general meeting, members of the GSZ, amended the relevant article of the Statute and prohibits future enrollment if previous members did not sign a special paper that "have enclosed their Greece", that forbade left to be members of or play sports to its stadium.[4] In Nicosia was founded in May, Orfeas.
Moreover, the same month, APOEL sent a telegram to SEGAS, on the occasion of National Games athletics "cordial brotherly greeting to the entire Greek youth athletes" and prayed, "as the end ethnoktonos mutiny." The leftist actors and athletes APOEL saw the designation "ethnoktonos mutiny" challenge and partisan positioning of the club and immediately distanced themselves. From there on, the newspapers took action, who continued reportage and comment, threw oil on the fire, sparking the final explosion. It was followed by indefinitely punishment of five athletes of APOEL (Lympouris, Tsialis, Gogakis, Xatzivasileiou and Christodoulou). So a group of people who defected from APOEL, founded in June 1948 new club in Nicosia, AC Omonia.[2][4][5] Then AS Kyrenia founded in Kyrenia.[5]
Establishment of CFFA
The expulsion of progressive athletes and football players were fact. Progressive vlubs moved towards establishing a new Football Association (Cyprus Football Association existed but did't accepted the new clubs), the Cyprus Amateur Football Federation (CFFA) in December 1948.[5][6][7] The new federation, organized leagues and cups,[8] led to run in stadiums thousands of young fans. The matches of the championship of CFFA attracted much more fans than those of Cyprus Football Association (CFA).[9][10] In CFFA participated six clubs: Nea Salamina in Famagusta, AC Omonia and Orpheus in Nicosia, Alki at Larnaca, AMOL in Limassol (which in 1951 was renamed Antaeus) and Neos Asteras in Morphou.[8]
Consolidation of Cyprus Football
The clubs members of CFFA were in favor of consolidation of Cyprus football. They tried for three consecutive years to convince the CFA to accept them as members, but the CFA rejected their request.[4] Two football leagues and conduct two tournaments in a small country like Cyprus, was something unprecedented. Created financial problems and stadium problems. The separation was hampering prospects for progress and development of Cypriot football.[1][11][12][13] In addition, thought that the spirit of sport means brotherhood and friendship, not segregation and discrimination. The foundation for the unification of the Cyprus Football began to enter with the first version of the sports newspaper "ATHLITIKI", which started crusade for of consolidation in December 1952. Through the same newspaper first heard voices for consolidation beyond the site of CFA (CFA foreign team coaches). The CFA has condemned the statements of its own coaches club because according to her, "was contrary to the spirit of the Federation".[12] The factors of CFA initially kept hostile and condemning those who acted in favor of consolidation.[12] In the summer of 1953, almost all the top players in the sports era advocated consolidation of Cypriot football. In August 1953 Nea Salamina, Omonia, Alki and Antaeus submitted a joint application to the CFA for registration in the power of unions as Cypriot First Division's clubs. The following month, on 19 September 1953, the CFA accepted the application[12] of Nea Salamis, Omonia and Antaeus for membership in CFA.[12][14][15] The unification of football was a fact. The war of CFA to these clubs continued.[12] CFA rejected the application for Alki, Orpheus the New Star form (Alki and Orpheus joined a year later).[14] Additionally, citing a statute point, claimed that a group should participate in the Cypriot First Division and two in the Cypriot Second Division. CFFA teams to achieve integration, accept the fact. It was decided at a special meeting CFFA than Omonia would joined Cypriot First Division and Nea Salamina and Antaeus Cypriot Second Division.[12] CFFA disbanded.[11]
Clubs of CAFF
Nea Salamina Famagusta
Nea Salamis was the first club founded in 1948 (March 7) and continues today in the Cyprus football with success. After the dissolution of CAFF was incorporated in the second division. Two years went to first division and is one of the most historic Cypriot clubs, though won only 2 titles.
Alki Larnaca FC
Alki was the second group, founded in 1948 (April 10). Alki was one of the groups classified in the middle of the league in scoring CAFF. The CFA accepted in 1954 the first division.
Orpheus Nicosia
Orfeas Nicosia was founded in May 1948. After the dissolution of CAFF was incorporated in the second division. It continues today in lower leagues of Cypriot national championship.
AC Omonia Nicosia
Omonia was founded in 1948 (June 4). Came from APOEL. Won the most championships and cups of CAFF. In 1953 was incorporated in the CFA and the only one entered the first division. Today is one of the most successful Cypriot clubs.
A.M.O.L. Limassol (Antaeus Limassol)
The Athletic Musician Group Limassol was founded in 1944. In 1951 renamed in Antaeus Limassol. Was the only club that won a title, championship 1953, except for Omonia. He had presence to a cup final. The 1953 was among the first clubs that joined the CFA in the second division. The club does not currently exist.
New Star Morphou
The New Star Morphou was founded in 1944 and was let go along with A.M.O.L. the only clubs in the federation which existed. After the dissolution of CAFF, the CFA in the power of integration and agricultural competitions. Continues and is now known as AEM Morphou.
AS Kyrenia
The Athletic Club of Kyrenia was founded in 1948 by Andreas Cariolou, was one of the founding members of CAFF and the pioneers of the founding of. However it did not participate in their respective events and the reason was that many members left unable to accept the politicization of the club and 1950 after two years of presence had dissolved its football section.
Tournaments
1948-49
There no data. Champion was Omonia.
1949-50
| Position | Team | G | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Omonia | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 38 | 8 | +30 | 19 |
| 2. | A.M.O.L. Limassol | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 33 | 18 | +15 | 13 |
| 3. | Alki | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 30 | 19 | +11 | 11 |
| 4. | Orfeas | 10 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 18 | 22 | -4 | 9 |
| 5. | Nea Salamis | 10 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 24 | 43 | -19 | 5 |
| 6. | New Star Morphou | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 14 | 47 | -33 | 4 |
1950-51
| Position | Team | G | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Omonia | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 11 | +39 | 20 |
| 2. | Alki | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 24 | 16 | +8 | 12 |
| 3. | A.M.O.L. Limassol | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 23 | 18 | +5 | 10 |
| 4. | Nea Salamis | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 16 | 38 | -22 | 8 |
| 5. | New Star Morphou | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 16 | 34 | -18 | 5 |
| 6. | Orfeas | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 26 | -14 | 5 |
1951-52
| Position | Team | G | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Omonia | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 40 | 9 | +31 | 17 |
| 2. | Nea Salamis | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 20 | 15 | +5 | 13 |
| 3. | Antaeus Limassol | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 28 | 13 | +15 | 12 |
| 4. | Alki | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 36 | 27 | +9 | 11 |
| 5. | Orfeas | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 18 | 39 | -21 | 5 |
| 6. | New Star Morphou | 10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 15 | 54 | -39 | 2 |
1952-53
| Position | Team | G | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Antaeus Limassol | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 37 | 12 | +25 | 15 |
| 2. | Nea Salamis | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 26 | 14 | +12 | 14 |
| 3. | Omonia | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 30 | 19 | +11 | 12 |
| 4. | Alki | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 21 | 27 | -6 | 8 |
| 5. | Orfeas | 10 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 14 | 21 | -7 | 7 |
| 6. | New Star Morphou | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 34 | -25 | 6 |
G = Games, W = Wins, D=Draws, L = Losses, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against, GD = Goal difference, P = Points
Champion and Cup Winner
CAFF Champions
| Period | Champion |
|---|---|
| 1949 | Omonia |
| 1950 | Omonia |
| 1951 | Omonia |
| 1952 | Omonia |
| 1953 | Antaeus Limassol |
CAFF Cup Winners
| Period | Cup Winner | Finalist | Score | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Omonia | New Star Morphou | 6-1 | Stadium Gooul Nikosia |
| 1950 | Omonia | A.M.O.L. Limassol | 2-1 | Stadium Gooul Nikosia |
| 1951 | Omonia | New Star Morphou | 13-1 | Stadium Gooul Nikosia |
| 1952 | Omonia | Antaeus Limassol | 2-0 | Stadium Gooul Nikosia |
| 1953 | Omonia | Nea Salamis | 2-0 | Stadium Gooul Nikosia |
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Nea Salamina Famagusta". Athletism (in Greek). Ammochostos (Famagusta) Municipality. Retrieved 2012-08-17.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Meletiou 2011, p. 97
- 1 2 Stilianou 1988, p. 16
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gavreilides 2001, p. 19
- 1 2 3 4 5 Stilianou 1988, p. 23
- ↑ Meletiou 2011, p. 98
- ↑ Gavreilides 2001, p. 51
- 1 2 Meletiou 2011, p. 140
- ↑ Stilianou 1988, p. 24
- ↑ Meletiou 2011, p. 141
- 1 2 Meletiou 2011, p. 142
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gavreilides 2001, p. 61
- ↑ Gavreilides 2001, p. 23
- 1 2 Meletiou 2011, p. 204
- ↑ Gavreilides 2001, p. 59
Sources
- Gavreilides, Michalis; Papamoiseos, Stelios (2001). One century Cypriot football (in Greek). Nicosia: The writer. ISBN 978-9963-8720-1-5.
- Meletiou, Giorgos (2011). Cypriot Football 1900-1960 (in Greek). Nicosia: Power Publishing. ISBN 978-9963-688-87-6.
- Stilianou, Pampos; Georgiou, Neofitos (1988). Nea Salamina, 40 years pioneering sports history (in Greek). Cyprus: Nea Salamina Famagusta.
- Stilianou, Pampos (1998). 50 years Nea Salamina 1948-1998 (in Greek). Cyprus: Nea Salamina Famagusta. ISBN 978-9963-8370-0-7.