Cyprus evaluates hosting Maccabi Tel Aviv for EuroLeague games

Cypriot authorities have granted preliminary security approval for Maccabi Tel Aviv to use the Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol as its home venue for EuroLeague basketball games. Following a government cabinet decision, a site inspection is scheduled for October 6, involving representatives from the EuroLeague, the Israeli club, and the Cyprus Police. The assessment will focus on critical security protocols, including crowd segregation and facility specifications, particularly because the arena was recently renovated for FIBA EuroBasket events.

While the police have cleared the venue from a security perspective, several operational questions remain, including whether spectators will be permitted in the stands. A key challenge for local authorities is managing the security requirements for high-stakes matches, especially as Maccabi is slated to face Turkish clubs, including Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Anadolu Efes. If the inspection and subsequent final EuroLeague evaluation are successful, the team could potentially play its first home game in Cyprus on October 22.