The Minister of Justice and Public Order sent a clear warning that those sports stadiums that do not meet the requirements and do not have a suitability license, will not be policed.
Kostas Fytiris' statement was made, according to information from "F", during the meeting he convened in his office focusing on the fan card, closed monitoring circuits and the coordination of all the services involved.
Because every year before the start of the championships of all sports, there is the same discussion about the suitability of the stadiums, Mr. Fytiris listened to all sides, examined the problems presented by each stadium separately and warned that if the stadiums are not approved by the Stadium Licensing Authority, then there will be no policing. Which means, in simple language, that without security no game will take place.
According to the practice, despite the warnings from the Police about the unsuitability of some stadiums and the incomplete implementation of the legislation in relation to the fan card, nevertheless all the Authorities present in the end an approval from an engineer and the Licensing Authority finally provides them with the certificate of suitability.
Most of the large football stadiums do not have a proper monitoring system except for two, while there are also problems with the electronic entry and identification of fans, with the result that anyone who wants to enter the stadium can enter the stadium. For example, it cannot be determined whether the holder of a ticket is the one who holds the same fan card and whether he will sit in the seat provided.
During the meeting, according to the Ministry of Justice, the focus was on the need to make full use of the available technological means, as well as the continuous improvement of control and surveillance systems, with the aim of preventing and dealing more effectively with incidents of violence in sports venues.
The Minister of Justice stressed that the safety of fans, athletes and all those who are in the stadiums is a priority for the State. He also underlined that the cooperation of the competent authorities with the owners and managers of the stadiums is necessary so that the matches can be held smoothly and with the necessary safety conditions.
All attendees agreed to continue their close cooperation, in view of the start of the new championship, with the aim of strengthening safety measures and the effective implementation of the relevant legislative framework.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Stadium Licensing Authority, the Cyprus Police, the Cyprus Sports Organization, the Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, as well as owners and managers of football stadiums
