Cyprus to overlook domestic players

THE decision of Cyprus coach Angelos Anastassiades to favour Greek-based players over Cypriot ones for their final Group Four qualifiers has ignited controversy on the island.

Players at league leaders Omonia Nicosia are upset by their exclusion from the Cypriot squad for the last two games of their World Cup qualifying campaign against the Republic of Ireland in Nicosia and France in Paris.

Several Omonia players now face disciplinary action for publicly criticising Anastassiades for omitting them from his 19-man squad.