**Footballer Charles Eloundou Released from Limnes Deportation Detention Centre**
*Limnes, Cyprus – August 25, 2026*
Cameroonian footballer Charles Eloundou has been released from the Limnes Pre-Removal Migrant Detention Centre, where he had been held due to issues surrounding his residence permit in Cyprus. The 31-year-old midfielder, known for his stints with Anorthosis, Nea Salamina, and Ethnikos Achna, was detained after authorities discovered he did not possess a valid residence permit.
Eloundou's situation gained significant attention as he is a key prosecution witness in an ongoing criminal case. His arrest occurred shortly after he applied for a renewal of his residence permit eight months ago, a process that has been mired in bureaucratic delays.
Spyros Neofytidis, the executive president of the Pan-Cyprian Footballers’ Association (PASP), played a crucial role in advocating for Eloundou's release. Neofytidis visited the Limnes detention centre shortly after 4 PM to collect Eloundou following his release. In comments made to the media, he expressed gratitude to Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum Nicholas A. Ioannides and Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis for their sensitivity towards Eloundou's case.
The footballer’s release comes after PASP formally requested that he be allowed to remain in Cyprus while his residence permit renewal process is finalized. The police acknowledged the circumstances surrounding Eloundou's detention and indicated that they would handle the matter with consideration of his status as a witness in a criminal investigation.
Eloundou's case highlights ongoing challenges faced by foreign nationals in Cyprus, particularly regarding immigration processes and the potential for detention. The football community in Cyprus has rallied around Eloundou, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for athletes and migrants alike.
As Eloundou resumes his life and career in Cyprus, the football community and his supporters hope for a swift resolution to his residence permit issues, allowing him to focus on his contributions to the sport.
In related news, Cyprus is currently experiencing a yellow warning due to rising temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, law enforcement has made a fourth arrest in connection with a robbery and assault case involving delivery riders in Paphos.
The developments surrounding Eloundou's release and the ongoing issues within the migrant community in Cyprus continue to be of significant interest as the country navigates complex immigration and legal challenges.