Breaking· Security· Updated
Maccabi Tel Aviv May Move EuroLeague Games to Cyprus Amidst Relocation Efforts
Maccabi Tel Aviv is close to finalizing an agreement to host its EuroLeague home basketball games in Cyprus, targeting November 12 for the derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The club formally requested permission from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who has approved the plan despite previous rejections of similar requests from Israeli teams.
4 newsrooms · 1 language · since
What happened
- 01Maccabi Tel Aviv is nearing an agreement to host its EuroLeague home games in Cyprus, targeting a November 12 derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv.
- 02Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has approved the request, reversing previous policy that rejected hosting Israeli teams.
- 03The hosting costs in Cyprus could reach €1 million, which Cypriot media reports indicate local authorities will cover.
- 04An extensive security plan for the games at the Spyros Kyprianou Arena involves hundreds of police and counter-terrorism units.
- 05The relocation is a temporary solution, with Maccabi Tel Aviv hoping to return games to Israel as early as December 15.
- 06A EuroLeague delegation recently visited Israel to assess the feasibility of resuming games, meeting with Minister Miki Zohar.
- 07Up to 4,000 fans could travel from Israel to Cyprus to attend the games if the agreement is finalized.
The relocation is intended as a temporary measure while Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv continue to lobby the EuroLeague to return games to Israel. A EuroLeague delegation, including CEO Chus Bueno, recently visited Israel and expressed cautious optimism about resuming games there by December 15.
Hosting the games in Cyprus could allow up to 4,000 fans to attend, offering financial relief and saving travel time. However, Cypriot media reports indicate the move could cost up to €1 million, an expense expected to be covered by local Cypriot authorities. The extensive security plan required includes hundreds of police officers, counter-terrorism units, and 24-hour guarding of the Spyros Kyprianou Arena.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Ice. Read Ice’s originalThe coverage
4 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- Centre1
- Right1
- HarediNone
- ArabNone
- Other2
