Cyprus Prepares for Maccabi Tel Aviv Games Amidst Political Controversy
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Cyprus is preparing to host Maccabi Tel Aviv's EuroLeague home games amid political controversy, with arena owner Fanios Konstantinou detailing security measures and fan allocations. Security will be handled by local Cypriot forces, and specific seating arrangements will be implemented. The arena owner addressed concerns about Maccabi's impact on local teams, stating their access will be limited. Final approval from the EuroLeague is expected early next week.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Cyprus will host Maccabi Tel Aviv's EuroLeague home games following political controversy.
- Security will be managed by local Cypriot ushers and police, not Israeli forces.
- Specific seating arrangements will be implemented, including empty sections behind the baskets.
- Magnetometer gates will be installed at entrances for enhanced crowd screening.
- The arena owner addressed concerns about Maccabi Tel Aviv dominating the venue.
- Final EuroLeague approval and equipment imports are pending before the first game.
Preparations are underway in Cyprus for Maccabi Tel Aviv's EuroLeague home games, following political controversy surrounding the decision to host them on the island. Fanios Konstantinou, president of the AEK Larnaca basketball club and owner of the Spyros Kyprianou Arena, addressed concerns about security and logistics.
Konstantinou explained that security will be managed 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 entrances," Konstantinou stated, "neither coins nor bags. Magnetometer gates, up to airport and port standards, will be installed for crowd screening." He noted that Maccabi Tel Aviv would rent this equipment.
Regarding attendance, the agreement allows for 3,000 Israeli fans and 1,500 Cypriot fans. An additional 100 regular tickets and 40 VIP tickets are allocated for the visiting team, as per EuroLeague regulations.
Konstantinou dismissed claims that Maccabi Tel Aviv would "dominate" the arena and negatively impact local teams. He clarified that Maccabi's access would be limited to the day before and the day of the game for practice and the match itself, leaving the arena available for Cypriot teams on other days.
The first Maccabi Tel Aviv game is anticipated to take place early the following week, pending final EuroLeague approval. Konstantinou mentioned that new basketball hoops must be imported from abroad, as the ones used in EuroBasket are not approved for the competition. He emphasized that certain arrangements cannot be finalized until the EuroLeague gives its final go-ahead.
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