Police implement strict security measures for high-risk football matches in Cyprus

Cypriot police authorities mobilized significant resources over the weekend of September 5-6, 2026, to oversee several high-risk football matches, including Apollon vs. Anorthosis in Limassol, APOEL vs. AEL at GSP Stadium in Nicosia, and Nea Salamina vs. AEK at Ammochostos Epistrophi stadium.

To ensure public order, approximately 400 officers were deployed for the first two matches, with 200 assigned to Limassol and 230 to Nicosia, plus 100 in Larnaca. Police utilized drones, anti-riot vehicles like the 'Aiantas', and enforced road closures to prevent rival fan clashes. During the APOEL-AEL match on Sunday, minor incidents occurred outside the GSP stadium, including a small fire in surrounding vegetation and a confrontation involving an intoxicated fan who was arrested while in possession of a flare. No arrests were reported regarding the fire or minor fan tensions.

These measures followed recent violent incidents at a Nea Salamina event, which led to 20 arrests. Michalis Herodotou, head of the Office for the Prevention and Suppression of Sports Violence, emphasized that security remains on high alert, while cautioning that proposed legislation involving mandatory alcohol and drug testing at stadiums might escalate rather than resolve tensions.