The belief that the one bid submitted after the reopening of the tender for the upgrade of the indoor "Spyros Kyprianou" in Limassol for the FIBA EUROBASKET 2025 must be awarded immediately in order for the project to proceed, expressed the president of the Cyprus Basketball Federation Andreas Mouzourides, pointing out that the new procedure cost 3 months in the already pressed schedule.
For the project a bid was submitted by A & A Apostolides contractor company for the amount of 14 million 497 thousand euros, while the estimated value was 12 million 200 thousand euros.
According to the Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeadis, approval from the Cabinet is required in order to approve one bid, assuming that it will be accepted. Mr Mouzourides indicated that the existing offer is about 1 million euros lower than those of the first procedure and that it is within the financial limits that can be awarded.
The CBF President also indicated that in the tender documents and in order to preserve the delivery of the project on the required date, there are very strict clauses and penalties for each day of delay. In relation to the criticisms that something is done for a few days and then it will be torn apart, Mr. Mouzourides replied that the stadium will create very important infrastructure that will be a legacy to the clubs and athletes of Limassol who use it.
He stressed that based on a study by a major auditing company, the government expects tax and other revenues of 1.3 to 1.9 million euros from the event and the city of Limassol, which will host the event, a financial contribution (direct and indirect) of 10-13 million euros. This will come from accommodation (5000-9000 fans from abroad are expected, depending on the draw), participants, transport, catering and increased workload by local businesses.
Mr. Mouzourides pointed out that a stadium, which was built 20 years ago with significant damage, is being renovated and that this is being done with the long-term goal of hosting other types of international events, with similar benefits for the economy and the city.
He also said that Limassol and Cyprus in general will be at the centre of sporting interest during this period. He cited a study by an audit firm partnered by FIBA which found that foreign visitors to a FIBA EuroBasket responded that it strengthened the reputation of the host city (69%), made it more attractive for short trips to the city (64%), improved their opinion of the city (59%) and added something additional to the attractions (80%).
He added that the CBF was under the impression that the biggest sporting event ever held in Cyprus and Limassol would at least receive full support from all stakeholders in the city. "Instead, there is a strong rhetoric towards the opposite side, which is bitter for us," he added. He expressed joy at the fact that the business community of the city and the country has realised the multiple benefits and supports the effort.
Mr. Mouzourides said he understands the difficulty that the renovation will create for a period of 10 months for the clubs and federations housed there. He expressed confidence that temporary solutions will be found to the issue and asked for understanding.
He stressed that the renovation of any indoor stadium is required to be done after a certain period and that at any other time, a renovation would only mean expenses for the state, while on the occasion of hosting major international events, it is done with almost similar gains for the economy, but also huge benefits for the prestige of the country and the host city.
