Desperate Parents and Athletes Demand Justice: Young Cypriot Footballers Face Military Service Challenges

Young Cypriot footballers serving in the military and their families are facing a crisis, according to the Panhellenic Association of Professional Footballers (P.A.S.P.). A significant reduction in the number of athletes receiving special accommodations has left many struggling to maintain their careers. Despite appeals to the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, the Cyprus Sports Organization, and even the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, little has changed. Letters from parents describe the devastating impact on their sons’ futures, as their football careers are put on hold. The P.A.S.P. is urging for a reinstatement of the previous system, which provided adequate support for young athletes. They emphasize that while military service is a noble duty, the lack of flexibility undermines the potential of these promising footballers.