PAFOS, CYPRUS. 13th May, 2024 - Pafos FC, a leading football club based in Cyprus, has made headlines by permitting fans to spend the night on the football pitch ahead of their first-ever appearance in the National Cup final.
The excitement surrounding Pafos FC's historic advancement to the National Cup final, a milestone in the club's history, reached unprecedented levels. With the team never having won a trophy before, fans eagerly queued outside the stadium before ticket sales commenced, eager to witness the momentous occasion firsthand.
In an unprecedented move, the club allowed supporters to camp overnight on the pitch, providing a unique experience for the dedicated fan base. Some fans brought cushions and blankets, opting to sleep directly on the pitch, a move rarely seen in professional football.
Traditionally, football clubs refrain from allowing fans onto the pitch due to concerns about potential damage to the playing surface. However, Pafos FC CEO, Charis Theocharous, expressed confidence in the decision, describing the fans' initiative as a "good idea" and assuring that no harm would come to the pitch.
"Our city has never experienced anything like this. We have a small city that is going crazy right now because of the final. Of course we let the fans in, we are all one family. I'm not worried about the lawn, there was no harm done to it”.
Pafos FC, a first division club based in Cyprus, was founded in 2014 through the merger of AEP Paphos and AEK Kouklia. Notably, the team achieved fourth place in the Cypriot Cup in 2023.
The National Cup final, scheduled for May 18th, will see Pafos FC facing off against Omonia.
ENDS