Barcelona cancels youth sports camp in Cyprus after protests

FC Barcelona has reportedly decided to cancel a youth sports camp that was scheduled to take place in the occupied territories of Cyprus. This decision comes after days of mounting protests and strong reactions within Cyprus, according to reports from Cypriot media outlets.

Sources, including sigmalive citing diplomatic channels, indicate that the camp will ultimately not proceed. This development is being attributed to the concerted actions and objections raised against the event. The cancellation marks a significant response to the controversy that erupted over the Spanish football club's planned presence in the northern part of the island.

The controversy intensified with strong opposition within Cyprus, where the idea of Barcelona holding a sports activity in the occupied areas sparked considerable outcry. Even the leader of the Turkish Cypriot administration, Tufan Erhürman, voiced his opposition. He characterized the situation as an "exclusion" of young people from international activities due to the ongoing Cyprus issue, commenting on the reactions surrounding the event.

While the article does not detail the specific diplomatic actions taken, it implies that such efforts played a role in Barcelona's decision. The situation highlights the sensitive political context surrounding any international engagement with the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state, which is recognized only by Turkey.

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He characterized the situation as an 'exclusion' of young people from international activities due to the Cyprus issue.