UEFA Promotes Omonia vs. Pafos Match Using TRNC Image, Sparks Backlash

UEFA has come under fire for using a photo of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to promote the upcoming Omonia vs. Pafos FC match. The image, which included a landscape of Northern Cyprus along with its flag, was swiftly removed after backlash from Cypriots.

According to Fileleftheros, UEFA originally published the match announcement on its website with the controversial background. However, following complaints, the image was taken down.

The UEFA Europa Conference League match is scheduled for February 14 at GSP Stadium and is already being called a historic event, as two Cypriot teams face off in a European tournament.

Meanwhile, security concerns have been raised ahead of the match. Cypriot police have warned about issues with the stadium’s surveillance system, which were flagged weeks ago. On January 23, officials gave stadium management a two-week deadline to fix the problem, but the deadline has now passed.

Police have stated they will officially notify UEFA about the issue. However, authorities insist that the match will go ahead as planned, as GSP Stadium still holds a valid security certificate and has hosted several European matches under similar conditions.