From Announcement to Uncertainty: The Anorthosis Refugee Tournament and the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium Dispute

On 5th August, Anorthosis Famagusta announced plans to host the inaugural Refugee Tournament at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium from 9th–11th August.
The event was intended as a symbolic gathering of clubs sharing the same history of displacement following the 1974 Turkish invasion, and to “keep alive the unquenchable desire to return to our ancestral homes.”

The line-up included Ethnikos Achna, ASIL Lysis, PAEEK Kyrenia, and Digenis Akritas Morphou, with APOEL also invited as “a timeless companion in the struggle for return.” The opening ceremony, matches, and commemorations were to reflect themes of remembrance, unity, and resilience under the tournament’s slogan: We Do Not Forget – We Fight.

However, within three days, the tournament’s future was thrown into doubt. The Stadium Licensing Authority declined to issue the necessary permit for Antonis Papadopoulos to host the event, citing unresolved structural and safety concerns.

Safety Concerns and Licensing Deadlock

Speaking to kerkida.net, Stadium Licensing Authority President Giorgos Karras confirmed the rejection, explaining that:

1. A structural and seismic assessment commissioned by Anorthosis’ own engineers concluded the stadium required earthquake reinforcement.

2. While the Larnaca Municipality issued an operating permit, it stipulated that the certificate would only be valid once recommended repairs were completed.

Karras stressed the safety risks, noting that the relevant studies dated back three years and warning that “in the event of an earthquake, the stands could collapse.” He also confirmed that other major stadiums – including GSP, Stelios Kyriakides, AEK Arena, and Alphamega – had been licensed without issue.

Whether Anorthosis will be able to host league fixtures at Antonis Papadopoulos this season now depends on the outcome of updated engineering reports expected next week.

Tournament Reduced in Scope

Later that day, Anorthosis confirmed that the Refugee Tournament would proceed in a reduced format. The opening ceremony was cancelled, youth participation withdrawn, and early fixtures – including Ethnikos Achna v ASIL Lysis and PAEEK Kyrenia v Digenis Morphou – were moved behind closed doors. The high-profile Anorthosis v APOEL match remains in doubt pending licensing approval.

The club expressed frustration with the decision, highlighting that the tournament was under the patronage of the President of the Republic and that all required documentation had been submitted. Anorthosis also raised concerns that they may be forced to seek an alternative home venue for the upcoming season, something they said they “will not allow.”

Political Dispute

The matter quickly became political. Former Minister of Transport, Communications & Works, Yiannis Karousos, posted a video criticising the handling of the issue and highlighting past promises made to the club. Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) President Yiannis Ioannou dismissed the comments as “irresponsible” and “misleading,” stating that the situation would be resolved within the week and that the government remained committed to supporting refugee clubs.

Karousos responded by reaffirming his personal and family ties to Anorthosis, accusing the government of making unfulfilled promises and demanding a clear timeline for delivering on their commitments.

Club President’s Statement

Anorthosis president Kyriakos Prastitis questioned how the stadium could be deemed safe for over 10,000 spectators in June yet labelled structurally unsafe in August. While acknowledging that safety must come first if genuine risks exist, he suggested that political factors may be influencing the decision-making process.

Prastitis urged the Licensing Authority, KOA, and government ministries to act swiftly, warning that the closure of the stadium would not only damage the club’s competitive prospects but also impact the local economy and undermine the cultural and historical role Anorthosis plays for the Famagusta refugee community.

A Day of Remembrance in Famagusta

Amid the controversy, Anorthosis held a poignant visit to Famagusta as part of the tournament’s activities. Players, coaches, and staff visited the Cultural Centre in Deryneia, where archival photographs and video footage depicted the city before the 1974 invasion. From the rooftop, they observed the silent, abandoned streets of the closed-off area.

Foreign players and technical staff later walked through parts of the fenced city, viewing landmarks such as the Church of Agia Zoni, Democracy Avenue, and Glossa beach. Cypriot players and staff chose not to cross as a mark of respect and in protest against the ongoing occupation.

Club officials emphasised that the visit was not a sightseeing excursion but an educational experience to ensure all members understood the significance of Famagusta to the club’s identity. Special thanks were given to Mr. Dinos Toumazis for his leadership in organising the visit.