Cyprus Prepares Security for Maccabi Tel Aviv EuroLeague Games Amid Political Claims
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Cyprus is preparing to host Maccabi Tel Aviv's home EuroLeague basketball games following political controversy. Arena owner Fanikous Konstantinou detailed security measures, including local staff and magnetometer gates, and confirmed attendance limits for Israeli and Cypriot fans. He refuted claims of Maccabi Tel Aviv dominating the arena, stating local teams will retain access on most days. Final EuroLeague approval and equipment installation are expected early next week.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Cyprus will host Maccabi Tel Aviv's home EuroLeague games amid political controversy.
- Security will be handled by local Cypriot ushers and police, with no Israeli involvement.
- Magnetometer gates will be installed at entrances, and areas behind baskets will be kept empty.
- The agreement allows 3,000 Israeli fans and 1,500 Cypriot fans, plus 140 tickets for the visiting team.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv's delegation will only use the arena for practice the day before and on game days.
- Final EuroLeague approval and installation of new basketball equipment are expected early next week.
Authorities in Cyprus are making preparations for Maccabi Tel Aviv's home EuroLeague basketball games, which are expected to be hosted there. The decision has sparked political controversy, with an opposition party in Cyprus levelling accusations against the move. Fanikous Konstantinou, president of the basketball club and owner of the Spyros Kyprianou Arena where the games are to be held, addressed the concerns.
Konstantinou explained that security would be handled by local Cypriot ushers and the Cypriot police, with no involvement from Israeli police. To ensure separation between fan sections, the areas behind the baskets will remain empty. "Nothing will be allowed into the arena at the entrances," Konstantinou stated, adding that "no coins or bags will be permitted." Magnetometer gates, similar to those at airports and ports, will be installed for thorough checks of all attendees, with Maccabi Tel Aviv set to rent the equipment.
Under the agreement between Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Cypriot hosts, 3,000 Israeli fans and 1,500 Cypriot fans will be allowed entry. An additional 100 regular tickets and 40 VIP tickets will be allocated to the visiting team, as per EuroLeague regulations.
Addressing claims that Maccabi Tel Aviv would "take over" the arena and negatively impact local teams, Konstantinou clarified that this is untrue. He stated that Maccabi's delegation would only access the arena on the afternoon before the game for practice, as is required for visiting teams, and for the game itself. The arena will remain available for use by Cypriot teams on all other days.
Konstantinou anticipates that final approval from the EuroLeague for the games will be received early next week. He noted that specific basketball hoop equipment, different from that used in EuroBasket, must be procured from abroad and installed, as the previous equipment has not been approved for EuroLeague use. He emphasized that certain arrangements cannot be finalized until the EuroLeague's official confirmation.
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