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Football in Cyprus is played by a number of people residing in the island as well as by those who visit Cyprus. Thus Cyprus football is a professional game along with being a part of recreation. Football in Cyprus is governed by the Cyprus Football Association (CFA). All the football clubs operate under the CFA.
It was the British who had first introduced the game of football in Cyprus. Initially, football in Cyprus was played only in the schools. When the popularity of the game increased substantially in a few years a number of football clubs came up. The football clubs of Cyprus then identified the need of a governing body that would handle football in the island. Thus, the CFA or the Cyprus Football Association came into being with a view to promoting and improving the quality of football in Cyprus.
Among the various football clubs in Cyprus are Omonia Nicosia, AEK Larnakas, AEL Limassol, Apollon FC Limassol Football club, Olympiakos Piraeus football club, Apoel football club, Red Club, Nea Salamis Ammochostos football club etc. Major leagues then began to be organized to develop the spirit of football in Cyprus.
The football leagues in Cyprus include Cypriot First Division, Cyprus Cup, and Cyprus FA Shield etc. The national football team of Cyprus has competed in a number of national and international games. It has played against various nations like Switzerland, Greece, Lebanon, Ireland, France, Denmark, Spain, Israel etc. The country achieved victory in several matches. Today, football in Cyprus has gained a lot of popularity not only in the national sphere but in the international arena as well.
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