The government’s instructions about the repayment of debts owed by football clubs is simply for the law to be upheld, deputy spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said on Thursday.
Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides is quoted as stating that he does not want for the clubs to close but to “finally comply with the law.”
Speaking on CyBC’s morning radio, Antoniou said the government is acting from the need to upkeep equality of citizens before the law and rubbished allegations that clubs were being “punished”.
The state was making all efforts to ensure that it reclaimed revenues due to it, as well as easing the process for the clubs, in the same manner as any other business would be treated, Antoniou said.
Five football clubs on Wednesday offered to immediately pay a third of the tax debt they owe to the government.
The proposal was made by Ael, Apoel, Apollon, Anorthosis and Ethnikos Achna during a meeting between the clubs’ chairmen, Cyprus Football Association (CFA) Chairman Giorgos Koumas, and tax Commissioner Sotiris Markides.
After the meeting, Apoel chairman Prodromos Petrides said the parties had a “fairly constructive and good discussion”, and that following the payment, more money would be returned to the state’s coffers during the second quarter of the year.
The clubs’ dodging of a criminal prosecution their eligibility for UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) certification hinges on the state’s response to their proposal.
Technocrats are scrutinising the suggestion and are expected to inform Finance Minister Makis Keravnos on Wednesday. The approval of the cabinet is required for revision of the existing plan.
Should the ministers accept the clubs’ proposal, oversight of the agreement will be in the hands of the CFA (Cyprus Football Association), which will supervise the clubs’ compliance.
In relation to debts-in excess of €10 mil-owed by clubs for money they failed to pay to state services, some are in discussion with the competent departments to settle them.
On March 4, Apoel is expected to re-appear in court for debts of €2.3 mil, after the postponement of the hearing last week. The club stands accused of deducting social security amounts from employees’ pay checks without transferring the money to the state.