# FC Barcelona youth camp controversy in Cyprus

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fc-barcelona-youth-camp-controversy-in-cyprus
> Updated: 2026-08-24T15:30:00.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 2.

FC Barcelona announced that its youth development arm, Barça Academy, would host football training camps in Lefkoşa, Cyprus, during September 2026. The camps, titled ‘Lefkosa Camp’, are scheduled for two periods—September 7–11 and September 16–20—at the Near East University sports complex for players aged 6 to 18.

The club faced significant backlash in Cyprus due to its description of the location as ‘Lefkosa, Northern Cyprus’. This terminology is considered highly sensitive due to the Turkish occupation of the area since 1974. In response, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) is investigating whether the camp violates FIFA or UEFA regulations regarding the recognition of territories. Greek and Cypriot media have characterized the move as a normalization of an unrecognized entity.

Political groups, including ELAM, have condemned the event, describing the organization of sports activities in the north by an EU-based club as ‘inconceivable’. ELAM has called upon the Spanish government and the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene and cancel the camp. 

In the north, Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel condemned the calls for cancellation, stating that such actions attempt to prevent the youth from engaging with the world. Former Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu also supported the event, suggesting it could serve as a unifying example through sport. The controversy has drawn renewed attention to a 2014 incident involving then-president Joan Laporta, who faced scrutiny after comparing the political status of Catalonia to that of Northern Cyprus.

## Claims

- The camp is scheduled for September 7–11 and September 16–20, 2026, at Near East University. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The far-right ELAM party urged the Spanish government and the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Üstel stated that blocking youth sports activities does not foster trust or a shared future. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The use of the term 'Northern Cyprus' on the club's platform has triggered significant political backlash in the Republic of Cyprus. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- KOP is collecting evidence to determine if the event violates international football regulations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Erhürman argued that preventing children from playing football is a humanitarian failure. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The program includes three training groups per day and will feature coaches from Spain. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Barcelona football academy camp in Northern Cyprus sparks diplomatic row

FC Barcelona's announcement of a youth football camp in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus, has sparked a diplomatic row, with Greek Cypriot leaders and football authorities seeking to block the event.

33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-barcelona-faces-backlash-in-cyprus-over-training-camp-location

### 2026-08-07: FC Barcelona launches youth football camp in Lefkoşa

Barça Academy will hold youth football camps in Lefkoşa, Cyprus, on 7‑11 Sept and 16‑20 Sept for ages 6‑18, featuring Spanish coaches and a focus on skill and values.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-barcelona-launches-youth-football-camp-in-lefkoa

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Cite as: FC Barcelona youth camp controversy in Cyprus. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fc-barcelona-youth-camp-controversy-in-cyprus