Barcelona Camp in Occupied Cyprus Sparks Outrage

FC Barcelona's announcement of a football camp in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus has ignited significant backlash on the island. The Spanish club's academy platform revealed plans for the "Lefkosa Camp," scheduled to take place at the facilities of the so-called Near East University in the northern part of the island.

The camp is slated for two periods: September 7-11 and September 16-20. Daily training sessions will be divided into three different groups, with exact timings adjusted based on the age categories of the participants. This move by the prominent European club has drawn sharp criticism, given the region's status as being under Turkish occupation since 1974.

The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) has stated that it is reviewing the matter and investigating the legitimacy of the event. The CFA emphasized the importance of examining the implications of such a high-profile European team's presence in the occupied territories. This follows a pattern of controversy, with the far-right party ELAM claiming responsibility for the cancellation of the EXIT festival at Girne Castle.

ELAM has indicated that it has identified two further events planned in Northern Cyprus that it intends to challenge. The party's actions highlight the sensitive political context surrounding any activities that could be perceived as legitimizing the Turkish occupation. The controversy underscores the deep divisions and ongoing political sensitivities related to the division of Cyprus.