PAEEK, in turn, also reacted to Barcelona’s intention to hold a soccer training camp in the occupied territories, expressing its strong opposition and calling on the Spanish club to reconsider its decision.
The Kyrenia-based team emphasizes that the presence of a club of such size and international influence in the occupied territories is not an issue limited to sports.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
A Look Back at Apollon’s International Soccer Players
At the same time, PAEEK is requesting that any reference to the term “Northern Cyprus” be removed, emphasizing that the Republic of Cyprus is the only internationally recognized state on the island.
In detail:
“PAEEK Kyrenia Football cannot remain silent in the face of FC Barcelona’s intention to hold a soccer camp in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus.
When a club of Barcelona’s size, history, and international influence associates its name with activities in the occupied territories, the issue goes far beyond the realm of sports.
Any action that presents the occupied territories as a separate and “legitimate” entity finds us firmly opposed.
The Republic of Cyprus is the only internationally recognized state in Cyprus. This is the reality, and everyone must respect it, regardless of name, economic size, or soccer prowess.
We call on the management of FC Barcelona to immediately reconsider its decision, to withdraw any reference to the non-existent term “Northern Cyprus,” and not to allow the name and emblem of a historic club to be used in a way that wounds a people who continue to suffer the consequences of the illegal invasion and occupation.
For PAEEK, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and our occupied territories have never ceased to be our home.
And until the day of our return, we will neither grow accustomed to nor accept the occupation as “the new normal.”
