Hundreds of police officers and airport-style security checks will be deployed for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s home matches at the Spyros Kyprianou arena in Limassol, with the first game scheduled for Thursday.
Police said on Monday that the stadium would be handed over to them the day before each match. Officers will search the venue and keep it under guard until all fans and delegations have left.
Metal detectors will be installed at the entrances, with fans, team delegations, official guests and club officials all subject to screening.
Anti-terrorism and intelligence services will also be involved in the security operation, while Maccabi representatives have taken part in planning meetings.
Security measures to be reviewed before every match
Each fixture will be treated as a separate security operation, with measures reviewed beforehand based on updated risk assessments.
Particular attention is expected for matches likely to attract larger crowds, including Maccabi’s games against Hapoel Tel Aviv on November 12 and Olympiacos on November 17.
Tickets will be sold exclusively online, with no printed tickets issued. Buyers in Cyprus must provide their identity card and fan card details, while foreign supporters will have to register an identity card or passport number.
Around 3,000 tickets are expected to be allocated to fans travelling from Israel and approximately 1,500 to supporters in Cyprus. Visiting teams are also expected to receive a limited allocation, potentially reaching 140 tickets.
Supporters will be allowed to wear their team’s jerseys but will not be permitted to bring flags or banners into the arena.
Police deployment and cost of security
The preparations have attracted attention following the transfer of Michalis Herodotou, who headed the police’s sports violence office for more than 20 years, to the Nicosia police directorate around 10 days before the first match.
Herodotou had approximately 15 months remaining before retirement.
Police said the decision was taken by Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis and would not affect preparations. They also stressed that no match is managed by a single officer.
Police unions have estimated that around 500 officers will be needed for the matches. A police source revealed that the cost of the security arrangements would exceed €1 million.
Justice Minister Costas Fytiris has previously assured MPs that Maccabi Tel Aviv will be invoiced for the additional security costs.
Limassol approved as Maccabi’s home venue
The Euroleague approved the Spyros Kyprianou arena as Maccabi Tel Aviv’s home venue for the 2026-27 season on November 4, stating that the arrangement would remain in place “until further notice”.
The Israeli club has played its home games in Belgrade since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.
The decision to host Maccabi’s matches in Cyprus has prompted debate, with activist groups opposing the arrangement and concerns raised about the security requirements and their cost.
Also read: Fytiris considers written police promotion exams and new district units
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