The Cyprus football association (CFA) yesterday Monday took nine points from Anorthosis after Apollon disputed the eligibility of the Anorthosis new signed goalkeeper in a game between the two sides earlier this month.

Anorthosis, won the fixture 1-0, lost three points – now awarded to Apollon and lost an additional six for breaking the rules.

The goalkeeper, Nigerian national Francis Uzoho, was suspended for one game and fined.
Anorthosis said it would appeal the decision.

Apollon said he had only arrived in Cyprus on Friday afternoon, shortly before 4pm, and questioned how he could have had his health card issued about an hour after KOA’s offices closed on Friday at 2.30pm.

According to the Cyprus Mail KOA cancelled the medical card on February 9, as reports suggested Uzoho had told police he was on the plane on his way to Cyprus when the card was issued.

Police arrested three people in connection with the affair, including Anorthosis’ deputy chairman and doctor Kyriacos Yiangou. The three were released, as police continue their investigation.

Anorthosis, having been deducted nine points drop from fifth place (34 points) to seventh (25 points) and are now in danger of missing out on a place in the top group for the upcoming playoffs.

Nea Salamina are now guaranteed a top-six place, with Omonia and Anorthosis battling for the final place on the last day of the regular season this weekend.