Police kick out Israeli teams, sparks city uproar

In a surprising turn of events, the Police's refusal to greenlight three crucial football matches for Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv at the AEK Arena has sparked outrage among Larnaca's key players.

The heads of the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company (LTAP) have taken their discontent to the Minister of Justice and the Chief of Police, unleashing a wave of protest.

Dinos Lefkaritis, President of the EBL, and Dr. Nakis Antoniou, the newly appointed President of the EBEL, have echoed this sentiment in strongly-worded letters.

They argue that the decision not only deals a blow to Larnaca's hotel and tourism industry but also hampers the chance to showcase Cyprus globally. The letters highlight the willingness of the Israeli teams to cover the expenses of heightened security.

As the Europa League heats up, the recent closed-door match at the AEK Arena between Maccabi Haifa and Villarreal on November 9 has left the Israeli teams scrambling for alternative accommodations in Larnaca.

The stakes are high, and Larnaca is determined to make its voice heard in the face of this unexpected setback.

[With information sourced from Philenews]