ELAM calls for cancellation of Real Madrid Foundation event in occupied Cyprus

The Greek Cypriot political party ELAM has formally requested the cancellation of a football event scheduled for November 14, 2026, in the occupied northern part of Cyprus. The event, involving the Real Madrid Foundation Football Program Turkey, is expected to feature a friendly match between young players from the program and the Gençlik Gücü Academy at the Acapulco resort facilities. The Real Madrid program operates in Turkey in collaboration with partners including Be Free Football and Regnum Hotels.

ELAM criticized the involvement of the European club in the occupied territories, arguing that such activities, whether intentional or not, contribute to the normalization and legitimization of the Turkish occupation and the status quo resulting from the 1974 invasion. The party has urged the central administration of Real Madrid in Spain to immediately call off the event and has called upon the Republic of Cyprus to initiate diplomatic actions to prevent it from proceeding.

This development follows the recent cancellation of a similar training camp previously planned by FC Barcelona in the occupied areas, which was halted following coordinated protests and interventions by the Greek Cypriot side. ELAM maintains that it will take all possible measures to prevent any events that recognize the illegal regime in the north.