UEFA probe Anorthosis fraud allegations

A UEFA official said on Thursday that football's European governing body has requested information on embezzlement allegations involving Champions League surprise package Anorthosis.

“UEFA have asked for information from the Cyprus Football Association,” UEFA's Cypriot vice chairman Marios Lefkaritis told state TV.

He said UEFA would not intervene but just wanted to be kept posted on developments.

The ex-president of Cypriot high fliers Anorthosis Famagusta was released from custody on Thursday after helping a police probe into the allegations.

Andreas Panteli — who has not been formally charged — spent six days in custody after fellow board members filed fraud allegations against him.

Panteli resigned as club chairman from his Nicosia detention cell on Monday and pledged to return any amount of money found owing to Anorthosis following an independent audit. He denies any wrongdoing.

Although the Anorthosis board withdrew its complaints against the 48-year-old, citing reasons of public interest, the police investigation continued.

Panteli was arrested last Friday, two days after Anorthosis drew 2-2 with Werder Bremen in the Champions League. Police are looking into financial mismanagement involving one million euros (1.26 million dollars).

Police are investigating a case of forgery, distribution of forged documents, theft, obtaining money under false pretences and trying to cover it up.

The high-profile figure was accused by fellow executive members of obtaining 418,498 euros under false pretences and of trying to take another 500,000 euros in club assets.

The offences are said to have taken place between August and November. Champions League takings are also thought to be part of the missing money.

Last week, Panteli, who took over Anorthosis five years ago and is credited with saving them from bankruptcy, said he was “shocked and surprised” by a whispering campaign against him and that he had “nothing to hide.”

Cyprus football fans are hoping the affair will not damage the team's progress in Europe's premier club tournament, while manager Temuri Ketsbaia has insisted he will stand by his close friend whatever the outcome.

The Cypriot club lies third in Group B of the Champions League and a win away to Panathinaikos in Athens next week would secure an unlikely berth in the last 16 knockout round.