On Wednesday evening, Pafos FC will make the short trip to the Grecian city of Piraeus to face Greek champions Olympiacos in what will be their first-ever UEFA Champions League match. It marks a remarkable milestone for the Cypriot club, who, in little more than a decade since their formation, have risen all the way to Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Ahead of this historic fixture, we spoke with Pafos CEO Charis Theocharous to reflect on the club’s journey and how support from ECA has helped them reach new heights.
Formed in 2014 through the unification of two local clubs, Pafos set out to build a modern, professional club that could represent the city at the highest level.
“Over the past decade, through strategic investment, long-term planning and a commitment to community, we have transformed into one of the leading forces in Cypriot football,” explained Theocharous.
“This journey has been built step by step — from stabilising the club in the first division, to competing for domestic trophies, and now achieving qualification for the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.”
The Pride of Cyprus
The achievement is one of pride not only for the club but for Cyprus as a whole. “For Pafos, this is the culmination of years of hard work and vision. For Cypriot football, it proves that clubs from our country can compete at the very highest level in Europe.”
While many call it a fairytale, Theo stresses it is anything but accidental. “The biggest driving force has been belief — from ownership, management, players, staff and fans — combined with a clear strategic plan. That alignment has been crucial in turning what many call a ‘fairytale’ into a reality.”
Moment of Magic Confirmed Champions League Football
That reality was sealed in dramatic fashion in the 89th minute against Crvena Zvezda, when Brazilian winger Jajá pounced on a quickly taken free-kick and, with a deft flick of his left boot, looped the ball into the top corner. A moment, that sent Pafos to the Champions League.
“Our qualification playoff victory that sealed the league phase spot was historic,” Theo recalled. “We scored in the last minutes of the match and the whole stadium erupted — it was unbelievable!”
ECA Aiding Club Development
Crucial to Pafos’ rise has been its involvement with ECA, who has aided the side with a whole range of tailored services.
“Being part of the ECA community has given us access to knowledge-sharing, education and networking with Europe’s leading clubs,” said Theocharous.
“The ECA Club Management Programme has been instrumental in developing our leadership structures, while commercial workshops and strategic forums helped us professionalise and unlock new opportunities. These initiatives directly impacted our ability to grow sustainably and compete at the highest level.”
Looking ahead, Pafos hope their story of breaking into the Champions League can inspire other emerging clubs.
“Success is not reserved for the biggest markets — it can be built anywhere with the right strategy and commitment,” Theocharous concluded.
“ECA has an essential role in helping clubs like ours dream big and deliver on those dreams.”
Interested in joining the 750 clubs that are already part of ECA? Please reach out to our membership team for more information.