Wikipedia - Cypriot Cup

The Cypriot Cup, formally known as the Cypriot Coca-Cola Cup of First and Second Division (Greek: Κύπελλο Κύπρου Coca-Cola A' B' Κατηγορίας) for sponsorship purposes, is a Cypriot knockout football club competition, hosted annually by the Cyprus Football Association.

First held in 1934, it is the second most important competition in Cypriot football, after the Cypriot First Division. Since 2008, it is contested by teams from the first and second division, while teams from the third and fourth division compete in the Cypriot Cup for lower divisions.

The winners of the Cypriot Cup qualify for one of UEFA's European competitions, and a place in the Cypriot Super Cup. APOEL are the most successful team in the competition with 21 titles, while Pafos FC are the current champions, having defeated Omonoia in the 2024 final.

History

The Cypriot Cup was first held in the 1934–35 season, the same year the Cyprus Football Association was founded. The 1934–35 Cypriot Cup was the first competition ever held by CFA, since it took part before the 1934–35 Cypriot First Division. The Cyprus Cup has been held every season since then, with the following exceptions:

  1. During the period 1941–1944, the competition was not held due to World War II. Many Cypriots were voluntarily enlisted in the Greek and English army, and also formed a Cypriot constitution. Most teams had undertaken a national project by collecting money and clothing to be sent to Greece in order to assist the Greek people and the army. Moreover, many Greek refugees fled to Cyprus. Due to the war conditions, the CFA decided to suspend all the competitions.
  2. During the periods 1955–58 and 1959–61, the competition was not held due to the unstable situation in Cyprus regarding the EOKA struggle. Meanwhile, a special cup was held in 1958–59 season. That season, the Cypriot Championship was not held for the same reasons. When the situation improved and Cyprus was heading towards independence, the CFA decided to bring back the teams which were inactive for several months and decided to launch a special cup called the "Independence Cup". The competition was official and its winners were listed as Cypriot Cup winners. The cup was held again in the 1961–62 season.
  3. In the 2019–20 season, the competition was abandoned after the quarter-finals, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since 1962, the sponsor of the competition is Coca-Cola Cyprus (Lanitis Bros Ltd). In 1998, the competition was officially named the Cypriot Coca-Cola Cup.

**Cyprus Cup: A Celebration of Soccer Excellence**

The Cyprus Cup is an annual international soccer tournament held in the picturesque Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and competitive spirit, the tournament attracts teams from around the globe, showcasing a blend of emerging talents and seasoned professionals.

Typically held in the spring, the Cyprus Cup features a series of matches played in some of the island's most iconic stadiums, offering fans an unforgettable experience amidst stunning coastal backdrops. The tournament not only highlights the skill and passion of the participating teams but also promotes cultural exchange and camaraderie among players and supporters alike.

In addition to thrilling matches, the Cyprus Cup includes various community events, fan zones, and activities that engage local residents and visitors, making it a true festival of soccer. With its commitment to fostering sportsmanship and excellence, the Cyprus Cup has become a key fixture in the international soccer calendar, drawing attention from scouts, media, and soccer enthusiasts worldwide.

Join us for an exhilarating celebration of soccer at the Cyprus Cup, where every match is a testament to the beautiful game!