Newsroom
Bayern Munich’s team bus is enjoying an unexpected layover at Limassol port, thanks to an indefinite strike by customs officers that has brought much of the port to a standstill. The German champions were en route to their Champions League match against Paphos on Tuesday, but for now, it’s more bus lounge than locker room. Two TV broadcast vehicles meant to cover the game are similarly stuck, giving “delayed kickoff” a whole new meaning.
The strike, which escalated after a 24-hour walkout, is the latest drama in Cyprus’ ongoing port saga. Customs agents are demanding more time to get used to a new Automated Import System (AIS) set to go live Monday. They claim the system has glitches and that the training provided was insufficient, leaving them worried about potential losses in their turnover.
Christos Akaros, head of the Customs Agents Association, told reporters at the port that he’s heading to Nicosia to meet with the Ministry of Finance. “In order for us to start working, the requests we have made must be met,” he said, adding that unless authorities extend the rollout of the new system, the strike will continue.
For now, only perishable items like fruit and vegetables are being cleared. Meanwhile, Eurogate Container Terminal Limassol warned that container storage could soon reach capacity, threatening delays across the supply chain and the Cypriot economy.
While negotiations continue, Bayern Munich and their stranded bus will have a front-row seat to Cyprus’ bureaucratic ballet, proving that in some cases, the real stoppage happens off the pitch.
