25.08.2026 14:10
Barcelona's football academy announcing the camp address as 'Nicosia, North Cyprus' on its official platform prompted action from the Greek Cypriot administration. While the Greek Cypriot side initiated efforts with the Spanish government and UEFA for the cancellation of the organization, Barcelona's use of the term 'North Cyprus' received widespread coverage in the Greek Cypriot and Greek press.
The football academy of the world-famous Spanish club Barcelona has announced the location of its camp for young athletes as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Barcelona's official platform showing the organization's location as "Lefkoşa, Northern Cyprus" caused a reaction in the Greek Cypriot administration. The Greek Cypriot side has launched initiatives with Spain and UEFA to block the camp.
BARCELONA ANNOUNCED THE ADDRESS AS "LEFKOŞA, NORTHERN CYPRUS"
The organization, announced as "Lefkosa Camp" on Barcelona's Barça Academy platform, is planned to take place at Near East University facilities on September 7-11 and 16-20. Barcelona announced the camp's location on its official platform with the phrases "Near East University, Lefkosa, Northern Cyprus."
"NORTHERN CYPRUS" PHRASE DISTURBED THE GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE
Barcelona's clear use of the phrase "Northern Cyprus" in its announcement caused reactions in the Greek Cypriot press and political circles. The Greek Cypriot ELAM Party called on the Spanish government and the Greek Cypriot Foreign Ministry to intervene and demanded the cancellation of the organization. The party also requested the cancellation of the Zamna Music Festival planned to be held in the TRNC.
WIDELY COVERED IN GREEK CYPRIOT AND GREEK PRESS
Barcelona's decision also resonated widely in the Greek Cypriot and Greek press. The Greek newspaper To Vima reported the development under the headline "Barcelona faces backlash over football camp in Turkish-occupied Cyprus."
THEY INVOLVED UEFA
The Cyprus Greek Football Federation (KOP) also took action after Barcelona's academy announced it would hold a camp in Lefkoşa, the capital of the TRNC. It was stated that KOP made protests and initiatives with UEFA to block the organization and claimed that the camp to be held in Northern Cyprus was not compliant with FIFA and UEFA rules.