Maccabi Tel Aviv is expected to move its EuroLeague home games to Limassol, with the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre set to become the Israeli team’s temporary home venue.
The move comes as the security situation in Israel prevents the club from hosting its EuroLeague games there.
The venue was upgraded for the EuroBasket tournament and hosted games last year, giving it the infrastructure needed for high-level European matches.
Police give green light
According to government sources, Maccabi Tel Aviv formally asked to use Cyprus as its home base and submitted a request directly to President Nikos Christodoulides.
The request was referred to the Cyprus Police, which assessed the relevant security and operational factors and gave its approval.
Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos told SigmaLive that the Force had received a request from the EuroLeague on whether it could provide security for Maccabi’s games in Cyprus.
He said the Police had assessed all the available information and concluded that hosting the matches would be feasible.
The Police will continue to assess security conditions and take the necessary measures. A preliminary plan has also been drawn up for ticket allocation, including tickets for visiting teams and Cyprus-based fans.
Venue to undergo further adjustments
The Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre had been upgraded for EuroBasket, but the EuroLeague requested several additional adjustments, including new baskets and arrangements for media areas, VIP facilities and courtside seating.
The home team will be responsible for installing the specialist equipment required for the EuroLeague games.
The costs of hosting Maccabi’s matches in Cyprus will also be covered by the Israeli club, according to the information provided.
First game on October 22
A meeting and inspection of the venue took place on Tuesday morning, attended by representatives of the Cyprus Sports Organisation, Cyprus Police, Maccabi Tel Aviv and the stadium authorities.
The Cyprus Sports Organisation said the Presidency, Police and organisation had confirmed to the EuroLeague that the venue could host the Israeli club’s games. The relevant letter was sent on Friday, 2 October.
Maccabi’s first game in Limassol is scheduled for Thursday, 22 October, against Real Madrid.
Cyprus has hosted Israeli teams before
Maccabi Tel Aviv is not the first Israeli club to use Cyprus as a European home venue because of security concerns in Israel.
Maccabi Haifa used GSP Stadium in Nicosia as its Champions League home venue during the 2002-03 season after UEFA restrictions prevented European matches from being played in Israel.
In 2014, UEFA again barred Israeli clubs from hosting European matches in Israel because of the security situation. Maccabi Tel Aviv subsequently chose Cyprus as its home venue, playing Santa Coloma at Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in a Champions League qualifying match.
Maccabi Tel Aviv also submitted a similar request in June 2025, but the Cypriot side rejected it at the time, with reports citing police concerns over security and the operational requirements of high-risk matches.
Also read: Spyros Kyprianou Arena to host Maccabi Tel Aviv’s EuroLeague games under tight security
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