[1][2] Short of some sporadic surprise wins versus higher-ranked countries, mostly on home soil, the national team has not enjoyed any success of note.
On the other hand, Cypriot clubs have reached the Champions League group stage three times in recent years; that has made Cyprus the smallest sovereign state (in terms of both of area and population) to have been represented in the main phase of Europe's most prestigious club tournament, since the introduction of the group stage in 1992.
[3] Football was introduced to Cyprus early in the 20th century by the British (Canon Frank Darvall Newham, founder of The English School, Nicosia).
Initially played in the island's schools, it proved hugely popular and a number of clubs were duly formed.
[4] The rivalry between teams that support different political parties has grown intense over the decades and the matches result in bloody conflicts between the fans.
The Cyprus Football Association oversees the organization of: The Cypriot national team has yet to qualify for a major FIFA or UEFA competition.