Maccabi Tel Aviv is moving its European home base to Cyprus, with the “Spyros Kyprianou” Sports Centre in Limassol set to host the Israeli team’s home games in the EuroLeague. The development marks Maccabi’s departure from Belgrade, where it had been playing its home games in recent years because of the security situation in Israel.

The Cypriot side has already given the green light, with only the formal completion of the process by the EuroLeague’s governing body remaining. The president of the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA), Yiannis Ioannou, confirmed that the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, the Police and the KOA formally informed the EuroLeague in writing as of October 2 that the “Spyros Kyprianou” venue could be used by Maccabi.

First Game Against Real Madrid

Under the plans drawn up, Maccabi’s first game at its new temporary home will be played on October 22 against Real Madrid. One week later, on October 29, the game against Paris is scheduled.

Olympiacos are also expected to travel to Limassol on November 17, followed by Panathinaikos on January 7, along with several of the biggest teams in European basketball.

The “Spyros Kyprianou” Sports Centre had been significantly upgraded for EuroBasket 2025, which helped make it the preferred choice. However, some additional adjustments are required to meet EuroLeague specifications, including special equipment, the configuration of areas for the media, VIP seating and facilities around the court. Maccabi will be responsible for installing the equipment specifically required for the competition’s games.

The Request to Christodoulides

The process began during Maccabi’s recent visit to Cyprus for the international “Neofytos Chandriotis” tournament. The Israeli team’s president, Shimon Mizrahi, raised the issue with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, followed by an official request to use Cyprus as the venue for the team’s European games.

Contacts then took place between the Presidency, the KOA, the Cyprus Police, Maccabi and the officials responsible for the stadium. Yesterday morning, an inspection of the “Spyros Kyprianou” was carried out, during which the facilities, entrances and exits, the separation of fans and, more broadly, the feasibility of implementing the security plan were examined.

Up to 5,000 Fans

One of the key issues was whether the games could be played in front of spectators. According to the plan approved by the Cyprus Police, up to 5,000 Maccabi fans will be allowed in the stands, while a much smaller number of tickets will be allocated to visiting teams, approximately 100 to 150 per game.

Security measures will be particularly strict. Separate fan zones, enhanced checks at the entrances and special procedures for access to the stadium are planned. Under the plan drawn up so far, the Police will take control of the stadium 24 hours before each Maccabi game.

Games Against Turkish Teams Under Close Scrutiny

Particular emphasis is being placed on Maccabi’s games against Turkish teams because of the heightened security requirements. The EuroLeague schedule includes games against Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe, while Beşiktaş are also participating in the competition.

Maccabi is due to face Anadolu Efes in Limassol on December 23 and Fenerbahçe on April 1, provided, of course, that the use of the Cypriot venue remains in effect at that time.

The choice of Cyprus is linked both to its geographical proximity to Israel and to its infrastructure and security capabilities. The short flight time also allows fans from Israel to travel to games and return on the same day.

For Limassol, the relocation of the home base of one of the most historic teams in European basketball means that, for as long as this arrangement remains in place, Cyprus will regularly host games from Europe’s premier club basketball competition, featuring some of the biggest names in the EuroLeague.

Maccabi had been using Belgrade as its European home base following the outbreak of the war that came after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israeli team continues to seek the return of its European home games to Tel Aviv, but until that becomes possible, Limassol is becoming its new European “home.”