A case of sexual harassment of a female footballer is coming to light today, following a complaint by the female footballer in question to the Cyprus Footballers' Association (PASP).
As stated in a statement by the Cyprus Footballers' Association (PASP), a few days ago, the Association was approached by a female footballer, revealing that she had been a victim of sexual harassment and requesting PASP's assistance and protection.
According to the PASP announcement, the footballer wishes, at this stage, to maintain her anonymity and to be informed about the protection and support mechanisms that the sports authorities have established.
"For this purpose, PASP has addressed the KOP and the KOA, requesting their cooperation and assistance," the Association states in the announcement, noting that given the seriousness of the issue, it does not consider it appropriate to get involved in any public debate.
In letters sent by PASP's legal advisors on behalf of the footballer, they asked to know whether the KOP has procedures in place to provide psychological support, protection and assistance to footballers and female footballers who report sexual harassment. They also asked for information on the KOP's measures to ensure the protection of persons reporting harassment from any form of retaliation or pressure if these persons decide to proceed with an official complaint.
In a written statement, KOP Press Spokesperson Konstantinos Siamboullis calls on PASP to immediately submit all the information it possesses to the competent police authorities.
As Mr. Siamboulis states, the issue is extremely serious and requires due treatment by all those involved. "Complaints of this nature should be forwarded directly to the competent law enforcement authorities and not be the subject of public confrontation or publication through letters," he says.
At the same time, it states that "the KOP unequivocally condemns any form of abuse or harassment in sports and declares its readiness, within the framework of its responsibilities, to provide all possible support and assistance to any person who has suffered such behavior."
Mr. Siamboullis emphasizes that the incident reported by the PASP must be reported immediately to the police, so that the necessary investigation procedures can be followed by the competent authorities.
"Any further public discussion of the issue can only cause harm," he concludes.
In the letter, the legal advisors of the PASP requested information from the CAA on whether the Organization has established procedures for providing psychological support, protection and assistance to male and female athletes who report sexual harassment.
The KOA also issued a statement on the matter. As stated in the statement, following a complaint it received this morning about sexual harassment of an athlete, the KOA acted immediately and has already sent a response with the actions that can be taken and published the letter that the Organization sent to the lawyer representing the athlete of the KOP Women's Championship club and the PASP.
As stated in the response letter, signed by the President of the Organization, Yiannis Ioannou, the KOA has established partnerships with competent services and at the same time has adopted the code of practice in the public service for the prevention and treatment of harassment and sexual harassment.
According to the above, the CMO, as stated in the letter, can inform the athlete regarding the complaint process as well as the provision of psychological support from competent services, organizations and programs of the state. Additionally, the CMO states that it can monitor the process to be followed by the competent Federation, regarding the handling of the case.
The announcement adds that the appointed Safeguarding Officer on behalf of the CPC is Haris Kyrillou.
The CMO states in its announcement that the letter has been communicated to the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights, the Commissioner for Gender Equality, the Cyprus Police and the Cyprus Police.
Source: KYPE