The Spyros Kyprianou arena in Polemidia, Limassol, was formally approved on Tuesday as the home venue for Israeli basketball club Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Euroleague games, replacing its base in Serbia. Maccabi’s first game there is on 22 October, with crowds limited to 5,000 and strict security in place.
An inspection found that the venue could meet the Israeli team’s particular requirements, and it will now be registered as Maccabi’s home. Representatives of the Cyprus Sports Organisation, Maccabi and the venue’s management attended, along with assistant police chiefs Giannakis Georgiou and Michalis Katsounotos and other officers.
Philenews, which first reported the move on Monday, has learned that those at the inspection were told security would take priority, which is why crowds will be kept below capacity. Following renovations last year, the arena holds 6,000 spectators, but only 5,000 will be admitted to Maccabi games, and police will allow only a very small number of away fans.
Under the arrangements, according to philenews, fans will not be allowed to bring any personal belongings into the arena. Police will take over the venue 24 hours before each game, sealing and guarding it, and only Maccabi will be allowed to train there. The stands will be segregated, and everyone entering will need a fan card.
Games against three Turkish clubs, Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Anadolu Efes, will face particularly strict security and thorough checks, philenews has learned.
The Euroleague has also asked for some changes to the venue, including to the baskets, philenews understands. These are expected to be made in the coming days so that games can go ahead.
