Nicosia landmarks to be illuminated for APOEL centenary

On November 8, 2026, Nicosia will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the APOEL sports club by illuminating the old City Hall and Eleftheria Square in the team’s colors, blue and yellow. The commemorative lighting was approved by the Nicosia Municipal Council following a request from the club.

The decision caused political friction during the council meeting. While the majority voted in favor of the proposal, municipal councilors from the AKEL party voted against it. Kyriakos Fotiadis, head of the DISY municipal group, criticized the opposition, referencing the club's 1926 founding date and its historical precedence over the rival Omonia club, which was founded in 1948. Despite the dispute, the municipal council ultimately approved the lighting, which is scheduled to take place for one evening to mark the historic milestone.

APOEL, founded in 1926, remains one of the most prominent sports organizations in Cyprus. The event serves as a formal recognition of the club's century-long history within the capital, despite the ongoing political polarization that continues to influence local administrative discussions regarding sports-related commemorative gestures.