Maccabi Tel Aviv Targets Cyprus for EuroLeague Home Games Amid Security Review

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv are actively pressuring the EuroLeague management to return EuroLeague games to Israel, but simultaneously, the yellow-and-blue club has prepared a contingency plan to host its matches in Cyprus. The target date for this potential move has been set for the season's first EuroLeague derby, scheduled for November 12.

Contingency Plans and Cyprus

According to reports, Maccabi is very close to finalizing the arrangement and securing all necessary approvals, marking the Tel Aviv derby as a symbolic launch date for the Cyprus venue. The club emphasizes that this measure is intended to be temporary, as everyone hopes for a swift return of European basketball to Israeli soil. Ever since the preseason tournament in Cyprus, Maccabi has explored relocating from Belgrade to the island nation—a financially sound decision that would allow an attendance of 4,000 fans while significantly reducing flight times.

"The club formally approached the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, expressing the desire to host European fixtures in the country."

EuroLeague Inspection and Optimism

Regarding the EuroLeague delegation that arrived in Israel to assess security and logistics for a potential return, a cautious optimism prevails within the club. If approved, the targeted date for playing back in Israel would be December 15. EuroLeague CEO Marshall Glickman and competitions director Diego Giaen visited Israel, attending local football and basketball fixtures to evaluate the atmosphere and safety conditions.

• Delegation met with Israeli clubs participating in European competitions.

• Discussions held with Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar.

• Players actively participated to advocate for the resumption of home games.

A successful return to Israel would provide a massive morale boost. Last season, playing home matches at Menora Mivtachim Arena sparked a remarkable six-game winning streak.