Heightened security in Limassol for Maccabi Tel Aviv EuroLeague game
On Thursday, November 12, 2026, the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre in Limassol hosts a high-risk EuroLeague basketball match between the Israeli teams Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv. This event marks the beginning of Maccabi’s home tenure in Cyprus, following a decision to relocate from Belgrade, where the team had played for the previous three years due to the security situation in Israel. The match is scheduled to begin at 21:05, with stadium gates opening at 19:00.
Cypriot authorities have implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered security operation to ensure public safety. Measures include a significant police presence, the use of security screening arches, and strict physical searches at stadium entrances. Fans are prohibited from carrying items such as shoulder bags, personal pouches, helmets, or other potentially dangerous objects. Authorities authorized up to 3,000 tickets for Maccabi supporters and 1,500 for the local public, while Hapoel secured 150 tickets that have reportedly sold out. Estimates suggest approximately 1,500 Israeli fans are expected to attend. The police are also managing traffic flow near the venue to facilitate movement without significant disruption to daily life, and they remain in full operational readiness throughout the city to prevent any potential unrest.