Cyprus Sports World Erupts Over Maccabi Tel Aviv's EuroLeague Hosting Plans
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv's plan to host EuroLeague games in Limassol, Cyprus, has caused a political and sports uproar among Cypriot organizations. Local teams and federations claim they were not consulted about using the Spyros Kyprianou arena, disrupting their schedules. While authorities assure adjustments are made, the controversy has reached the Cypriot Parliament, alongside significant security preparations for the games.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Cypriot sports organizations are protesting Maccabi Tel Aviv's use of the Spyros Kyprianou arena in Limassol.
- Local teams and the Volleyball Federation claim they were not consulted about the decision.
- The controversy has extended into social and political spheres in Cyprus.
- The arena must be handed over to Maccabi a day before each game, disrupting local schedules.
- Significant security measures are planned for the games, allowing up to 4,500 Israeli fans.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's planned relocation to Cyprus for its EuroLeague home games has sparked a significant controversy within Cypriot sports. The decision to use the "Spyros Kyprianou" arena in Limassol has drawn criticism from local sports organizations, who claim they were not consulted. The volleyball club AEL Limassol, a primary user of the arena, led the protest, stating that the decision disregarded pre-existing schedules for local teams. "Nobody asked us, this cannot be done at the expense of Cypriot sports," a club representative stated, emphasizing their lack of issue with Maccabi itself but with the process.
The Cypriot Volleyball Federation also confirmed it was not consulted. The arrangement requires the venue to be handed over to Maccabi a day before each game, potentially disrupting other users. The controversy has extended beyond sports, reaching social and political spheres, with reports suggesting the issue might be debated in the Cypriot Parliament. However, the Cypriot Sports Organization has refuted the criticism, asserting that necessary schedule adjustments have been made to ensure no local team is negatively impacted.
This dispute adds to the extensive security preparations underway for Maccabi's games in Cyprus. Local authorities and police have granted preliminary approval for the EuroLeague matches in Limassol, with significant security expected inside and outside the venue for each game. The initial plan allows for up to 4,500 Israeli spectators per game, in addition to 1,500 tickets allocated to Cypriot "fan card" holders. Special security measures are anticipated for high-risk games, particularly those against teams known to bring large followings.
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