Makareio Stadium Closure Sparks War of Words Between Ethnikos Assias and KOA

A public spat has erupted between Ethnikos Assias and the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) over the future of Makareio Stadium, once considered a safe haven for refugee clubs in Nicosia.

In a radio interview on SPOR FM 95.0, former Ethnikos president Antonis Mavris launched a scathing critique of KOA, accusing the organisation of evicting his club without offering a clear or feasible alternative.

“KOA told us they’d knock down the stadium to build a new sports centre,” Mavris said. “Then they promised a small pitch for the three refugee clubs using Makareio. We said we’d continue playing there until the new ground was ready. Now, suddenly, it’s deemed structurally unsafe and we’re told to leave.”

Mavris lamented what he described as the gradual marginalisation of clubs like Ethnikos, Digenis Morphou, and PAEEK — all displaced following the Turkish invasion in 1974. “We’ve already been removed from Kykkos, and now from Makareio. This feels like the beginning of the end for us.”

He also questioned KOA’s motives, noting that other clubs are still training at the same stadium despite alleged safety concerns.

“Olympiakos are training there. Are their players and fans not at risk too? Or is this a selective safety policy?”

According to Mavris, all three refugee clubs had invested in upgrading the Makareio’s facilities, including the dressing rooms. “We’re not asking for much. We’re not playing First Division matches. Where else is there a better pitch in Cyprus outside the new stadiums?”

KOA was quick to issue a strongly worded response, rejecting Mavris’ claims and accusing him of spreading “misleading information.”

“We are not surprised by Mr. Mavris’ statements,” KOA said in a public statement. “He has previously presented distorted facts, including in front of the Parliamentary Education Committee.”

KOA cited a report by ETEK (Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus), which deemed Makareio Stadium unfit for competitive matches, citing safety as the organisation’s “non-negotiable” priority.

The organisation also referred to recent public statements made by the other two refugee clubs, Digenis Morphou and PAEEK — the latter of which has agreed to host Ethnikos at its ground for the upcoming season. However, Mavris raised concerns over pitch sustainability, stating that “if it rains, we’re in trouble.”

KOA concluded its statement with a subtle warning, implying that it could reveal more about Mavris’ conduct if provoked further:

“We fully understand Mr. Mavris’ intentions. Out of respect for the occupied community of Assia and the club of Ethnikos, we won’t elaborate further — for now.”

The stadium dispute has opened wider questions about the treatment of refugee clubs in Cypriot football, the adequacy of infrastructure planning, and whether safety justifications are being applied consistently.

For now, Ethnikos Assias remain in limbo — displaced once again, with no clear roadmap for a permanent home. The future of the Makareio Stadium, much like the fate of the clubs it once housed, remains uncertain.