Maccabi Tel Aviv has apparently found a new home for its EuroLeague games. The Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center in Polemidia, Limassol, has been officially approved as the yellow-and-blue's home arena for the tournament, replacing Serbia, which served until now as the team's base for home games, media in Cyprus reported on Tuesday. It should be noted that Maccabi Tel Aviv still requires EuroLeague approval for the move, and it is expected to take steps toward obtaining this approval only if the EuroLeague rejects a return to Israel.
The approval was granted following a joint inspection by representatives of the Cyprus Sports Organization, Maccabi Tel Aviv, the arena's management, and senior local police officials. During the inspection, it was determined that the facility could meet the Israeli team's requirements, with security naturally serving as the primary focus.
Following renovations carried out last year, the arena seats approximately 6,000 people, but only up to 5,000 spectators will be permitted entry for Maccabi games. The number of visiting fans will also be strictly limited, and any admission of visiting supporters will be subject to police approval.
Cypriot authorities are planning a series of unusual procedures around the games. Fans will not be allowed to bring personal belongings into the arena, and the facility will be handed over to police responsibility 24 hours before each game. From that point, the arena will be closed and placed under guard, with access being granted to Maccabi Tel Aviv solely for training purposes.
The stands will also be separated, and anyone entering the venue will be required to hold a fan card. In addition, the EuroLeague requested several adjustments to the facility, including the hoops, and the work is expected to be completed in the coming days to allow the games to take place.
The security emphasis will be particularly strict for games against the EuroLeague's three Turkish teams: Fenerbahce, Besiktas, and Anadolu Efes. According to the report in Cyprus, even stricter security arrangements are planned for these matchups, featuring an increased police presence and more rigorous checks around the venue.