Initially played in the island's schools, it proved hugely popular and a number of clubs were duly formed.

As football became more established, the clubs were united in agreeing that an official body was needed to regulate the sport.

In September 1934, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) was formed and the Cypriot Championship and Cup began to take place annually.

The reason behind this was political, as the Turkish Cypriots were opposed to the anticolonial struggle of EOKA and union with Greece (enosis).

However, due to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus that year, APOEL and Omonia (the 1973–74 Cypriot champions) withdrew from the League.

[citation needed] As of the 2022-23 season, 14 clubs compete in the league, and are ranked based on the point system described below.

If the cup winners finish in third or above, the fourth placed team also enters the UEFA Europa Conference League.

[citation needed] The point system of the Cypriot First Division has changed throughout the years: In the event that two or more teams have the same amount of points, they are ranked based on: Titles won by club (%) The below table indicates the total number of seasons each club has participated in the Cypriot First Division, up to and including the 2023/24 season.