Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball games to be held in Cyprus amid high-security measures

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to host its basketball games in Cyprus following a political decision that reportedly bypassed initial police risk assessments. The initiative emerged after a meeting between Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Maccabi club president Shimon Mizrahi during a charity tournament in Nicosia, effectively limiting the scope for police opposition to the proposal.

The team will play at the Spyros Kyprianou arena in Limassol under a high-stakes security framework. The police operation involves hundreds of officers, including specialized counter-terrorism and intelligence units. Security measures require thorough screening procedures and a continuous presence at the stadium starting the day before each scheduled match. Each game will be managed as a distinct security operation, with strategies adjusted based on ongoing threat assessments.

This development has also raised concerns regarding the financial burden of the extensive security deployment. As the police prepare for these highly demanding operations, the total cost and administrative strain remain a point of discussion, with authorities continuing to adapt their logistical planning for upcoming fixtures.