Andreas Pastides

APOEL FC

Since 1926, until the present time, APOEL FC, the Athletic Football team of the Greek Cypriots in Nicosia, is the most successful football team in Cyprus. APOEL FC has also become the most famous Cypriot team in the world, mainly because of its many recent European successes. In Cyprus it is the sole team which possesses a total of 60 titles, and the first team that managed to surpass 20 league titles. Its colors are yellow and blue, and it is supported by almost one third of the Cypriot population and the fans are by far the most passionate in Cyprus but also among the most loyal fans in Europe. The club is based in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and is one of the oldest on the island. George Poulias is credited for the team's creation. The idea was to create a football team that would represent all the Greeks who lived in Nicosia. So, on November 8th 1926, 40 people gathered at a confectionery in the town's main street, and decided to establish APOEL FC. The club's first president was George Poulias. From the early years it became apparent that this team was born for great things. In 1932, at the first unofficial league, APOEL FC beat AEL in the final with a 4-0 win and thus became the first champion in the history of Cyprus football. This title does not count among the trophies APOEL FC has won, since the Cyprus Football Federation was founded in 1934, with the Nicosia Team being one of its founding members. Faithful to the principles and traditions, while at the same time looking ahead and noticing the changes in worldwide football, APOEL FC set up a limited liability company in 1996. APOEL Football (Public) Ltd is a fact, and the players are now on an even more professional level. Clerical staff is recruited; special departments are created to support the athletes, while the marketing department takes full advantage of the club's branding.