The Cyprus Sports Organisation (COSA) has officially announced the first stage of a competitive tender process for the long-term concession of the Stelios Kyriakides Stadium in Paphos to a private investor.
The project involves renovating and modernising the sports facility with the aim of creating a modern football stadium that meets at least UEFA III category standards.
Once renovated, the stadium is expected to become a city landmark and meet international standards, paving the way for international matches to be held in Paphos.
According to the tender terms published in the official consultation document, the successful bidder will be granted a 30-year management contract for the stadium. During this period, they must modernise the facility to meet UEFA III standards and build two full-size training pitches in accordance with KOA standards. The municipality of Geroskipou will determine the construction site.
Particular attention will be paid to the quality of the project and its cost-benefit ratio for the city. The investor is required to develop a comprehensive master plan with 3D visualisations reflecting the architectural and functional layout of the stadium after reconstruction. The candidate must also provide a preliminary estimate of construction and operating costs, projected sources of income, and a detailed operating plan for the entire term of the agreement.
The competition will consist of several stages, from discussions and application submissions to proposal evaluations and final negotiations. The first open meeting with interested parties is scheduled for 25 July 2025 at the Stelios Kyriakides Stadium. This will be followed by the publication of the tender documentation in September, submission of applications, selection of candidates, technical and financial evaluation, and a final round of negotiations to select the winner.
According to KOA requirements, the investor's project manager must have experience of implementing at least one similar project involving the construction or renovation of a UEFA III or higher category stadium within the last 10 years, and must have participated in a project with a budget exceeding €5 million.
The project has already attracted significant interest in Paphos, particularly from Russian investors and the owners of Pafos FC. Despite being Cypriot champions, the club currently has to play its international matches at a new stadium in Limassol due to its home ground's inadequate infrastructure.
Implementing this project will be an important step in developing Paphos' sports infrastructure, strengthening its position as a centre for football in Cyprus. It will also meet urban development objectives, attract investment to the regional economy, and create new jobs.
The Stelios Kyriakides Stadium (Στάδιο Στέλιος Κυριακίδης) is a multi-purpose sports facility named after a marathon runner.
Until 25 May 2017, it was called 'Pafiaco'. The stadium has a capacity of 9,394 people. Running tracks surround the football and rugby pitches, and the stadium is used for various sporting events throughout the year. Due to its convenient location, the stadium is one of the most popular in Cyprus.
It serves as the home ground for the football clubs AEP Paphos and AEK Kouklia; the latter began playing there after being promoted to the First Division. It was also used by APOP Kiniras when they played in the First Division in the 2005/06 season. In 1992, the stadium hosted three matches of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, which was held in Cyprus. The stadium also hosts a variety of music concerts.
In 2007, it hosted its first rugby match, between the Cyprus national team and Azerbaijan. Since 2010, the stadium has been the official home of the national rugby team.