Cypriot football clubs and officials protest Barcelona's youth camp in the occupied territories

Cypriot football clubs, including Nea Salamina, Anorthosis, PAEEK, and Karmiotissa, have issued strong condemnations regarding the decision of FC Barcelona to organize a youth training camp in the Turkish-occupied territories of Northern Cyprus. The clubs and officials, including DISY Vice President Giannis Karousos, specifically criticized the use of the term "Northern Cyprus" on the official Barça Academy website. Critics argue that the event legitimizes an unrecognized entity and violates international norms regarding the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

In response to the announcement, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), led by President Haris Loizides, officially intervened by writing to the Spanish Football Federation and notifying UEFA. The CFA has requested that the camp be either moved to the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus or cancelled entirely, asserting that the current plan contradicts legal and regulatory frameworks. The camp is reportedly organized by the club's affiliate academy in Istanbul.

Conversely, Tufan Erhurman, a Turkish Cypriot leader, defended the event, stating that the participation of young people should not be politicized or used to deprive youth of opportunities. As of now, the affected clubs continue to demand a formal apology and the removal of the controversial terminology, while the situation remains subject to further discussions involving sports governing bodies.