Maccabi Tel Aviv can play EuroLeague matches in Limassol

The Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol may become the temporary home of Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball players. Representatives from the EuroLeague, the Israeli club, and the Cypriot police are scheduled to inspect the facility on Tuesday, October 6. A decision regarding the staging of the matches could be made this week.

If the preparations are approved, Maccabi's first match in Limassol could take place as early as October 22nd. The Israeli team would face Real Madrid. However, the match's holding in Cyprus has not yet been officially confirmed.

Maccabi Tel Aviv in Limassol? First, a stadium inspection.

Tuesday's visit will allow for an assessment of the Spyros Kyprianou Arena's readiness to host EuroLeague matches. Particular attention will be paid to safety, fan group separation, and preparing the facility for matches requiring additional security.

The Cypriot police have already developed a preliminary plan for securing the teams' arrival and organizing match days. Details are to be agreed upon with representatives of the EuroLeague and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The possibility of playing some matches behind closed doors is also being discussed. The approval of the arena doesn't necessarily mean that fans will be able to watch every Israeli team match from the stands.

Real Madrid could arrive as early as October

According to Cypriot media, Maccabi's first home match in Limassol could be a match against Real Madrid, scheduled for October 22.

The proposed solution assumes use of the Cypriot arena until February 2027, with the possibility of extending this period until April. Limassol could therefore host teams competing in Europe's most important club basketball competitions for several months.

For islanders, this would be a chance to watch the EuroLeague without traveling abroad. However, the availability of spectator seating remains an open question. Ticketing guidelines and a list of games that could be held without seats have not been released.

The hall has been modernized for EuroBasket

Spyros Kyprianou, also known as the Palais des Sports, was thoroughly modernized ahead of EuroBasket 2025. Group C matches of the European Championship were played in Limassol.

The facility thus has experience hosting international basketball tournaments. However, EuroLeague matches would pose additional challenges, primarily related to regular team visits, fan service, and security for individual matches.

For those planning to travel to Limassol from other parts of the island, transportation arrangements and any restrictions around the arena will also be important. Such information will be provided once the events are approved.

Special preparations for matches against Turkish teams

Maccabi's EuroLeague rivals include Fenerbahçe, Anadolu Efes, and Beşiktaş. Cypriot media indicate that organizing these matches will pose a particular challenge for the police.

Safety remains a key element of the discussions. The final plan must address player protection, fan arrivals, and the operation of the arena and its surroundings.

It has not yet been decided which matches could be played behind closed doors, and there is no basis to present such a solution as a foregone conclusion for all matches against Turkish clubs.

Maccabi had previously approached the Cypriot authorities

The club has formally requested the opportunity to play its home matches in Cyprus. The matter was discussed during a meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Maccabi Chairman Shimon Mizrahi during the Neofytos Chandriotis Tournament.

The participation of the Israeli team in this tournament allowed for an early check of the infrastructure, accommodation and cooperation with the services.

Maccabi submitted a similar request in June 2025, but Cypriot authorities refused to grant approval at that time. Last season, the team played its EuroLeague home games in Belgrade.

The results of the inspections in Limassol and the security arrangements will now be crucial. Only after these are completed will the venue for the match against Real Madrid and subsequent matches be confirmed.

Sources: Phileleftheros, Cyprus Mail