Cyprus Faces Backlash Over Hosting Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Games
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Cypriot officials are facing strong criticism for allowing Maccabi Tel Aviv to host its EuroLeague home games in Limassol. Critics cite a lack of transparency, potential security risks due to hostile relations with Turkey, and the financial burden on taxpayers. A coalition of 11 activist groups, including BDS, has also protested the decision, calling it "whitewashing through sport."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Cypriot government's decision to host Maccabi Tel Aviv's EuroLeague games in Limassol is facing severe criticism.
- Critics question the lack of transparency and proper risk assessment for the games.
- Concerns are raised about potential crowd disturbances and negative international publicity.
- The capacity of local police to handle security for the volatile matches is questioned.
- Activist groups, including BDS, are protesting the decision, calling it "whitewashing through sport."
The Cypriot government's decision to allow the Israeli basketball team Maccabi Tel Aviv to host its EuroLeague home games in Limassol has sparked significant criticism within the country. A scathing opinion piece in the "Cyprus Mail" argued that the decision was driven by "political thinking" rather than practical considerations, highlighting a lack of transparency surrounding the move. The article questioned whether a proper risk assessment was conducted, specifically regarding the potential for crowd disturbances and negative international publicity, especially given the hostile relations between Israel and Turkey, with whom Maccabi is scheduled to play.
Concerns were also raised about the local police's capacity to handle security for such volatile events, with the head of the police union estimating that up to 500 officers might be needed per game. The financial implications for Cypriot taxpayers were also questioned, with uncertainty over who would cover the substantial security costs. While hosting a few games might have been acceptable, the article deemed hosting all home games "absurd" and urged the Cypriot president to explain the decision, stating that Cyprus has nothing to gain from becoming Maccabi's home court.
In addition to media criticism, a coalition of 11 activist organizations, including the BDS movement and the "Cyprus Peace Council," issued a joint statement vehemently opposing the hosting of the games. They condemned the move as "whitewashing through sport," protesting that the country is providing an Israeli sports team with a "safe and comfortable home" using Cypriot infrastructure and public resources.
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