A New Era for Apollon Limassol

One of the most significant milestones in the history of Apollon Limassol Football Company was announced on Wednesday morning (July 23rd), as Club President Nikos Kirzis revealed the beginning of a new era with the involvement of investor Mr. Craig Gabriel in the club’s management.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at Columbia Plaza in Limassol.

Mr. Kirzis referred to the strategic and discreet process that preceded the agreement, stressing that the objective was never to impress, but to reinforce the club’s foundations for the future. The agreement includes a capital increase and the purchase of new shares by the investor, who will become the club’s largest shareholder — with the prospect of eventually becoming the majority shareholder.

The President reiterated the commitment he made in 2012 to restore pride to Apollon and recalled the European successes and domestic trophies that followed. He concluded by thanking all those who contributed to the agreement and warmly welcomed Mr. Gabriel to the Apollon family.

Statement by Club President Nikos Kirzis:

I welcome you to today’s press conference—one of historic significance for Apollon Limassol Football Company—perhaps the most pivotal since the establishment of the Company and the assumption of management of the football department of the Club.

Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the Apollon football organization. After a thorough, multi-dimensional, and confidential process that spanned several months, we are honored and delighted to announce the involvement of Mr. Craig Gabriel in the ownership and management structure of the Company. We warmly welcome him into the great and proud family of Apollon Limassol.

This development is the result of a methodical, well-structured, and coordinated effort.

We consciously chose to keep the process away from the public eye, avoiding promises or rushed announcements. Our goal was never to create momentary impressions, but to strategically and meaningfully strengthen our Club.

Over the past two years, we have examined several expressions of interest—most of which remained purely theoretical. In contrast, Mr. Craig Gabriel demonstrated from the outset a firm, genuine, and unwavering interest in Apollon.

We remained committed to our plan, and today we are in a position to inaugurate a new period of momentum and vision, worthy of the Club’s history and stature.

In recent years, we have faced harsh criticism and baseless rumors suggesting a lack of willingness to include new people in the Club’s leadership. These claims are categorically refuted today in the most emphatic manner, leaving no room for further speculation or the cultivation of an atmosphere of introversion and instability.

Personally, back in May 2012, I made a promise before the people of Apollon that we would restore the pride of the Club and bring home titles.

Over these 13 years, together with my associates, we have won 7 of the 17 total trophies in the Club’s history. We made history in Europe, with 10 consecutive appearances in European competitions, including 5 participations in the group stages of the Europa League and the Conference League, contributing 74 of the Club’s total 115 European appearances.

Today, once again, I feel particularly proud. Just like in 2012, so now—on this day in July 2025—I stand present at yet another turning point in Apollon’s journey, as the Club enters a promising new era.

We proceeded with an agreement which, to some, may have seemed utopian. But my deep love for the Club, the support of my associates, and the trust of the overwhelming majority of our fans brought us to this milestone.

The agreement with the investor provides for an increase in the Company’s share capital and the acquisition of new shares by the investor, thereby enhancing the financial robustness and support for the strategic development plan of Apollon Limassol—both at the competitive and organizational levels. Following the acquisition of new shares, the investor will become the Company’s largest shareholder, with the prospect of becoming the majority shareholder in the future. The agreement will be implemented in accordance with all legal and regulatory procedures, including the convening of a General Meeting of shareholders to approve the relevant decisions.

This investment represents a clear vote of confidence in all that has been built with consistency over the past 13 years—our modern infrastructure, administrative organization, pioneering operational systems, and, above all, the philosophy that defines our organization. The investor’s trust stands as tangible recognition of the strategic and multifaceted work carried out by the current management throughout these years.

In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked quietly yet decisively to bring this historic agreement to fruition. I also extend my sincere gratitude to all members—past and present—of the Board of Directors, who have contributed in their own way to the Club’s achievements both at home and abroad.

In the coming days, the new composition of the Board of Directors of the Football Company will be announced, reflecting the new status quo.

Once again, I warmly welcome Mr. Craig Gabriel into the Apollon Limassol family and wish him every success. I am confident that together, we will bring joy and pride to the thousands of loyal supporters of our Club.

Thank you.

Statement by Mr. Craig Gabriel:

Taking the floor, Mr. Gabriel addressed the media and answered several questions:

Opening remarks:
“I’ve been coming to Cyprus since I was a child, and I truly feel at home here. I now see myself visiting even more often. Before we decided to get involved with Apollon, my team and I looked into five or six clubs. I remember telling Mr. Kirzis that none of the clubs we spoke to before him felt like the right fit. Apollon did. The club’s professionalism and approach convinced us that this is the right project for us.”

On joining Apollon:
“It’s a great honour to be part of Apollon. As a Liverpool supporter, I’ll now have to change my colours—from red and white to blue and white! Even my children have already fallen in love with Apollon. They are now more Apollon fans than Liverpool fans.”

Why Apollon:
“The club’s presentation was extremely professional, I must say. We had discussions with other clubs too, but Apollon’s way of working suits me. My goal is to understand where we stand and implement fresh ideas. I’ve already shared a range of proposals with Mr. Kirzis, and we are working on these together.”

On the academy and development plans:
“There is a clear plan for the academy. Our objective is to develop footballers and bring in experts from abroad to help us build a strong structure.”

Final statement:
“It’s important for people to understand that this is a co-ownership. Myself, Mr. Nikos Kirzis, and Mr. Petros Demosthenous communicate regularly. I view my future in Cyprus as a long-term commitment.”
Q&A with Mr. Kirzis:

On whether there was a need for administrative support due to competition:
“Our goal has always been to do what’s best for the club. We’ve been searching for a strong partner for the past two years—someone who can help us elevate our position and compete on equal terms with other clubs.”

On whether he will continue in the club’s management:
“The future of our collaboration depends on the capital increase and the shareholding changes. The more shares Mr. Gabriel acquires, the closer he comes to becoming the majority shareholder. Whether we continue together is something time will determine, and we will decide it jointly.”

On how the investment will be used:
“There is a detailed plan in place, but we will not make it public at this stage. It will begin implementation by the end of August, addressing outstanding issues and involving investments in the training centre, the academy, and other areas. Relevant announcements will follow in due course.”

On this season’s budget:
“The amount has already been agreed, but we are not disclosing it. The plan will begin rolling out in the coming weeks, and we’ll move forward accordingly. Announcements will be made when the time is right.”

On decision-making going forward:
“Mr. Gabriel is fully informed about all matters concerning the club. As of today, a ‘marriage’ begins — and like any marriage, decisions will be made jointly. For the initial period, all decisions will be taken together.”

On whether a ‘wedding gift’ is coming for the fans:
“In the next few weeks, there will be developments. We’ve already discussed certain matters, and announcements will be made in due time. Our fans can expect good news.”