Koutsiountas: Stadium licensing roadmap and Police security stance
KOA Director General Vasos Koutsiountas outlines the new licensing roadmap for stadiums and the Police's firm stance on non-licensed venues.
Significant developments have emerged regarding the licensing of sports venues in Cyprus following a meeting with the Ministry of Justice. Vasos Koutsiountas, Director General of the Cyprus Sport Organisation (KOA), clarified the position of the Police, stating that they will not provide security for stadiums or specific sections of venues that lack proper licensing.
Roadmap with specific milestones
To resolve the current deadlock, a proposal has been made for each stadium to develop a specific roadmap. This plan includes time-based milestones for implementing necessary upgrades. Licensing will be maintained as long as these milestones are met; however, failure to comply with the schedule will result in the immediate withdrawal of the operating license. A follow-up meeting with the Licensing Committee is scheduled for next Monday or Tuesday to finalize this plan.
Current status of Cyprus stadiums
The licensing situation varies across the country's main sporting venues:
- AEK Arena & Alphamega Stadium: No licensing issues reported.
- Stelios Kyriakidis: Necessary works are expected to be completed by August 31.
- GSP Stadium: Positive indications regarding the CCTV system, with authorities appearing satisfied pending the final decision of the Licensing Authority.
- Tsirio Stadium: Identified as the most challenging case for compliance among existing facilities.
Upgrade costs and funding
The financing of these infrastructure upgrades remains a key issue. KOA has clarified that the state will not subsidize the full cost of football stadium renovations. It was emphasized that stadium authorities and the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) must contribute financially, particularly for the modernization of surveillance systems, which is a critical requirement that cannot be completed instantly.
Makareio redevelopment and new projects
A major investment plan for the Makareio Stadium area is also under consideration, estimated between €70 million and €100 million. The five-year project involves downsizing the football pitch and fully renovating the "Eleftheria" and "Lefkotheo" indoor arenas. Regarding the private stadium projects planned by APOEL and Omonia, estimations suggest these developments are at least five years away from completion.