DateRHome v Away-
12/23 17:00 15 [9] Ethnikos Achna v Apoel Nicosia [5] 2-2
12/22 17:00 15 [4] Omonia Nicosia v Nea Salamis Famagusta [12] 3-0
12/22 16:00 15 [1] Pafos FC v AEK Larnaca [3] 0-1
12/22 15:00 15 [11] Omonia Aradippou v AEL Limassol [8] 2-2
12/21 17:00 15 [7] Apollon Limassol v Anorthosis Famagusta [6] 2-0
12/21 15:00 15 [11] Karmiotissa v Enosis Paralimni [13] 2-0
12/21 14:00 15 [14] Omonia 29is Maiou v Aris Limassol [2] 0-3
12/16 17:00 14 [12] Nea Salamis Famagusta v Pafos FC [1] 0-2
12/15 17:00 14 [9] Ethnikos Achna v Omonia Nicosia [4] 1-0
12/15 16:00 14 [5] Apoel Nicosia v Enosis Paralimni [13] 2-0
12/15 15:00 14 [3] AEK Larnaca v Apollon Limassol [7] 4-0
12/14 17:00 14 [7] Anorthosis Famagusta v Omonia Aradippou [10] 3-0
12/14 15:00 14 [8] AEL Limassol v Omonia 29is Maiou [14] 1-1
12/13 17:00 14 [2] Aris Limassol v Karmiotissa [12] 1-1
12/08 17:00 13 [13] Nea Salamis Famagusta v Apollon Limassol [6] 1-0
12/08 15:00 13 [8] AEL Limassol v Karmiotissa [11] 4-0
12/08 12:30 13 [9] Ethnikos Achna v Pafos FC [2] 0-2
12/07 17:00 13 [7] Anorthosis Famagusta v Omonia 29is Maiou [14] 2-0
12/07 15:00 13 [4] Omonia Nicosia v Apoel Nicosia [5] 2-2
12/06 17:00 13 [4] AEK Larnaca v Omonia Aradippou [10] 1-0
12/06 16:00 13 [2] Aris Limassol v Enosis Paralimni [12] 2-1
12/02 17:00 12 [5] Apoel Nicosia v Aris Limassol [2] 1-2
12/02 17:00 12 [1] Pafos FC v Omonia Nicosia [4] 0-1
12/01 17:00 12 [14] Omonia 29is Maiou v AEK Larnaca [4] 1-5
12/01 15:00 12 [11] Omonia Aradippou v Nea Salamis Famagusta [13] 1-0
11/30 17:30 12 [6] Apollon Limassol v Ethnikos Achna [9] 2-2
11/30 16:00 12 [10] Karmiotissa v Anorthosis Famagusta [7] 1-1
11/30 15:00 12 [12] Enosis Paralimni v AEL Limassol [8] 0-0
11/25 17:00 11 [5] AEK Larnaca v Karmiotissa [10] 2-0
11/24 17:00 11 [7] AEL Limassol v Aris Limassol [2] 0-3

The Cypriot First Division (Greek: Πρωτάθλημα Α΄ Κατηγορίας), known as the Cyprus League by Stoiximan for sponsorship reasons, is the top-tier football league competition in Cyprus, run by the Cyprus Football Association.

The league is contested by 14 teams and runs from August to May, with the three lowest-placed teams being relegated to the Cypriot Second Division, and replaced by the top three teams in that division.

History

Football was introduced to Cyprus early in the 20th century by the British. Initially played in the island's schools, it proved hugely popular and a number of clubs were duly formed.

Anorthosis Famagusta FC was founded in 1911, after which many other clubs were established. In 1932, the annual Cypriot Championship began, at first unofficially. Every season, the championship was organised by a different football club, which caused conflict among some of the teams.

As football became more established, the clubs were united in agreeing that an official body was needed to regulate the sport. In September 1934, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) was formed and the Cypriot Championship and Cup began to take place annually. The first Champions of Cyprus were Trust in 1935, but the club folded three years later. The 1930s were dominated by APOEL, who won five championships in a row until 1940. Like other championships throughout the world, the Cypriot Championship was interrupted due to World War II from 1941 until 1945.[]

In 1955, Çetinkaya Türk S.K., who had been the only Turkish Cypriot team playing in the Cypriot First Division since 1934–35, withdrew from the Championship and, along with other Turkish Cypriot teams, established the Cyprus Turkish Football Association, with its own competitions. The reason behind this was political, as the Turkish Cypriots were opposed to the anticolonial struggle of EOKA and union with Greece (enosis). However, this federation was never recognised, and none of its teams was permitted to play in international competitions.

Cypriot independence in 1960 was followed by full UEFA membership for the Cyprus Football Association in 1962. From 1963, the champions of Cyprus could compete in the European Cup and the Cup winners in the European Cup Winners Cup. The runners-up in the Greek Cypriot First Division began to compete in the UEFA Cup in 1971. From 1967 until 1974, the Greek Cypriot Champions were promoted to the Greek First National Division. Greek Cypriot teams were relegated every season from the Alpha Ethniki, apart from 1973–74, when APOEL managed to remain in the Greek Championship, which meant that Cyprus would have two teams in Greek top tier. However, due to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus that year, APOEL and Omonia (the 1973–74 Cypriot champions) withdrew from the League.[]

**Cyprus Division 1: Tournament Overview**

The Cyprus Division 1, also known as the Cypriot First Division, is the premier professional football league in Cyprus, showcasing the best talent and teams in the nation. Established in 1934, this prestigious tournament has a rich history and has evolved into a highly competitive league that attracts both local and international players.

**Format and Structure**

The tournament features a league format, where teams compete in a round-robin system, playing each other twice—once at home and once away. The league typically consists of 12 teams, with each season running from August to May. Points are awarded for wins and draws, and at the end of the season, the team with the highest points total is crowned the champion of Cyprus Division 1.

**Promotion and Relegation**

The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Cyprus Division 2. The bottom teams at the end of the season face relegation to the lower division, while the top teams from Division 2 earn promotion, ensuring a dynamic and competitive environment.

**Key Teams and Rivalries**

The Cyprus Division 1 is home to several historic clubs, including APOEL Nicosia, Anorthosis Famagusta, and Omonia Nicosia, each boasting passionate fan bases and storied rivalries. Matches between these teams, particularly the "Nicosia Derby" between APOEL and Omonia, are highly anticipated events that draw significant attention and attendance.

**Cultural Impact and Community Engagement**

Beyond the competition, the Cyprus Division 1 plays a vital role in the cultural fabric of Cypriot society. It fosters community spirit and pride, with clubs often engaging in local initiatives and youth development programs. The league also serves as a platform for emerging talent, providing opportunities for players to showcase their skills and potentially move to larger European leagues.

**Conclusion**

The Cyprus Division 1 is more than just a football tournament; it is a celebration of sport, culture, and community. With its thrilling matches, passionate supporters, and rich history, the league continues to be a cornerstone of Cypriot football, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.