In a move aimed at tackling violence in sports stadiums, the Minister of Justice is set to present a comprehensive package of measures to the Cabinet today.
This initiative follows a decision taken last March, prompted by the distressing incidents during the basketball cup semi-final between Apollonas and Anorthosis at the “Tassos Papadopoulos – Eleftheria” Stadium.
The proposed measures have undergone legal scrutiny by the Legal Service, and today, Minister Anna Koukkides-Procopiou will present them to the Cabinet for approval before submitting them to Parliament.
Notably, the measures include the introduction of alcohol and drug tests outside sports venues, targeting fans intending to attend sporting events.
These measures were announced after a meeting at the Presidential Palace, spurred by the hooligan violence at “Eleftheria,” where individuals set fire to the bus station offices in Makariou, damaged seats at the stadium, and attacked police officers.
The alcohol and drug tests, currently applicable only to drivers, will be extended to citizens, pending legislative amendments for this specific purpose.
The tests will be conducted selectively on individuals arousing suspicion, involving trained police officers, akin to the procedures for drivers, where the majority of those tested positive for alcohol or drugs.
There is an anticipation of substantial parliamentary debate to ensure the responsible use of this measure by the police. Additionally, it is expected that alcohol and drug tests will be conducted outside and near sports venues, rather than elsewhere.
In cases of positive test results, fans will be barred from entering the stadium, awaiting final confirmation from the State Chemistry Lab.
Other proposed measures include:
- Amending legislation to increase the penalty for the exclusion of unruly fans from sports venues, extending up to ten years under certain conditions.
- Modifying relevant laws to empower the police to recommend to the Football Association the prohibition of fan movement, making it legally binding. In the event of further incidents, the police may suggest matches be played behind closed doors or even impose a ban on matches. This legal change will occur following a legal opinion to ensure no conflict with existing legislation.
- Implementing a strict schedule for installing closed-circuit television systems in all stadiums that currently do not meet legal specifications.
- Amending legislation to mandate the installation of closed-circuit systems in all first-tier category stadiums, regardless of capacity, within specified timelines agreed upon with all relevant stakeholders. The goal is the more effective implementation of the fan ID card measure.
The police have already heightened physical checks on fans following the incidents in March, focusing on the identification and confiscation of illegal and dangerous objects.
Two permanent anti-riot units have been established and operate within the Mobile Action Unit, exclusively tasked with policing high-risk sporting events or other hazardous gatherings.
