Cyprus Opposition Slams Decision to Host Maccabi Tel Aviv Games

Cyprus is experiencing significant backlash from the opposition over a reported decision to allow Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club to host its EuroLeague home games in the country. The radical left-wing party AKEL has strongly criticized the move, with Member of Parliament Giorgos Koukoumas stating, "We suspect what the whole world suspects. That again, Israel gives instructions and the Christodoulides government carries them out." AKEL alleges that the government has disregarded the needs of local sports and proper management, expressing concern that the decision compromises the schedules and operations of regular Cypriot users of the "Spiros Kiprianou" arena.

The party is demanding full transparency from the relevant ministers, seeking to review all correspondence and agreements related to the decision. AKEL insists on knowing who made the final decision, which bodies were involved, and if local authorities were consulted. Furthermore, the opposition is raising concerns about security and associated costs, especially with an estimated 5,000 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans expected per game. They question whether a comprehensive risk assessment was conducted and who will bear the financial burden, specifically if Cypriot taxpayers will be required to fund it.

AKEL also pointed to past incidents of racism attributed to the club's fans, which previously led to sanctions from the EuroLeague and the Israeli Basketball Association, questioning if these factors were considered. The party concluded that the issue transcends mere arena management, raising broader political questions, and urged the government to provide clear answers and disclose the deal's documents.