The decision to move Maccabi Tel Aviv’s European home games to Cyprus has triggered a series of reactions at sporting, social and political level.
The issue has already prompted criticism on social media, while AEL’s volleyball section issued a strongly worded statement. The Cyprus Volleyball Federation (KOPE) subsequently responded, making clear that it had not been consulted before the arena was made available.
It also remains unclear how other users of the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre, including athletes from individual as well as team sports, will be affected, as the entire venue will have to be handed over to Maccabi one day before each game.
At the same time, Politis understands that there are also political objections and that the issue could be brought before parliament for discussion.
Speaking to Politis, police spokesman Vyron Vyronos said police had assessed all available information before giving final approval.
He clarified, however, that security measures will be assessed separately for each game and adjusted accordingly. The same will apply to security measures outside the arena before each fixture.
Asked whether Maccabi would cover policing costs, Vyronos said only that the Israeli team would also implement its own security measures through a private company.
He stressed that there is no question of police officers from outside Cyprus participating in the security operation.
Up to 5,000 fans
One of the most important considerations is the number of supporters who will be allowed into the arena.
Initially, provision has been made for 3,000 Maccabi supporters, while a further 1,500 tickets will be available to permanent Cyprus residents who hold a fan card.
However, these arrangements are not final and may vary from match to match depending on the security risk.
Different arrangements could, for example, apply to matches against Greek teams to prevent Maccabi supporters from being placed together with fans of Olympiacos or Panathinaikos.
What appears to have been clarified is that Maccabi supporters will not travel to Cyprus as organised groups. Instead, each fan will make their own individual travel arrangements.
The Maccabi team itself will arrive in Limassol one day before each match and leave immediately afterwards, as the Israeli domestic championship is also under way and the club has fixtures there.
Security the top priority
Around 12 to 15 games are expected to be played in Limassol, depending on how far Maccabi progresses in the competition.
Unprecedented security measures are expected both inside and outside the arena.
Cyprus Police will be responsible for security in the areas surrounding the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre.
Inside the venue, security will be provided by a private company contracted by Maccabi.
Disruption for Cyprus clubs
At the same time, the decision to grant Maccabi use of the Spyros Kyprianou arena is causing disruption within Cypriot sport.
AEL’s volleyball team, which uses the venue as its home ground, clarified that it is not objecting to Maccabi’s presence itself, but rather to the way the decision was taken.
AEL said it is now being forced to overhaul its competition and training schedule because of the new arrangements.
The club also raised wider questions about the management of a public sporting facility and called on KOPE to protect its clubs and championship.
The federation responded by saying that its opinion was never sought before the arena was made available.
KOPE noted that the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre is managed exclusively by the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA).
A meeting between the president of KOPE and the president of KOA is now expected to take place to discuss the issue.
