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Cyprus Faces Backlash Over Hosting Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Games
A scathing editorial in the Cyprus Mail on Tuesday criticized the Cypriot government's decision to allow the Israeli basketball club Maccabi Tel Aviv to host its EuroLeague home games at the Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol. The article called the decision unthinkable and absurd, warning of significant security and financial burdens for Cyprus with no apparent benefit.
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What happened
- 01An editorial in the Cyprus Mail criticized the decision to let Maccabi Tel Aviv host its EuroLeague home games in Limassol.
- 02The article warned of significant security risks and potential fan disturbances, especially during games against Turkish teams.
- 03The editorial called on Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to explain the decision and the lack of transparency surrounding it.
- 04Concerns were raised about the local police's capacity to secure the games, with the police union head estimating 500 officers are needed per game.
- 05The editorial questioned who would cover the significant policing and security costs for the EuroLeague games.
- 06A coalition of 11 activist groups, including BDS, protested the decision, calling it whitewashing through sport.
The editorial raised concerns about potential fan disturbances spilling into the streets of Limassol, particularly during scheduled games against two Turkish teams, given current tensions between Israel and Turkey. It questioned whether a proper cost-benefit analysis or risk assessment was conducted before approval was granted, and called on Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to provide a public explanation.
Further concerns were raised regarding the capacity of the local police to secure over a dozen high-risk EuroLeague games throughout the season, given their poor record with local football matches. The head of the police union estimated that up to 500 officers could be required for each game, raising questions about who will fund these substantial security costs. Additionally, a coalition of 11 activist groups, including BDS, has protested the decision, accusing the government of whitewashing through sport.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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Cyprus Faces Backlash Over Hosting Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Games
