A coalition of campaign groups and organisations has voiced opposition to Maccabi Tel Aviv's decision to stage its EuroLeague home matches in Limassol, arguing that the move normalises Israeli sporting activity while the war in Gaza continues.
The groups, including BDS Cyprus, Cyprus Palestine Solidarity Action (CPSA), Genocide Free Cyprus and others, issued a statement after the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre was approved as Maccabi's temporary EuroLeague home venue, with the first match scheduled for 22 October.
Claims of 'sportswashing'
The organisations argue that allowing Maccabi to relocate its fixtures to Cyprus helps preserve the appearance of normal sporting activity in Israel while Palestinian athletes face severe restrictions.
They allege that Palestinian athletes have been killed, imprisoned or deprived of the facilities needed to train and compete, and describe the arrangement as a form of "sportswashing".
Questions over security costs
The groups also raised concerns about the cost of policing and security operations associated with hosting the Israeli club.
They questioned how much public money would be spent to protect teams, supporters and venues, and whether state resources should be used to facilitate the continuation of Israeli sporting competitions abroad.
Call for boycott campaign
The organisations urged Cypriot athletes, sports bodies, trade unions, supporters and civil society groups to support calls for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israeli sporting institutions.
Their intervention comes amid growing debate over Cyprus' decision to host Maccabi's EuroLeague fixtures and the wider political and security implications of the arrangement.
Source: CNA
