Cyprus introduces ID scheme at soccer matches to curb violence

Cyprus soccer fans will need IDs for tickets

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Soccer authorities in Cyprus say all fans will need to show state identity cards to buy tickets for domestic league matches in a bid to curb violence at games.

Wednesday’s announcement follows weekend clashes between fans of rival Nicosia clubs APOEL and Omonia that left a 20-year-old man critically injured.

The Cyprus Football Association says ID card numbers will be printed on tickets starting late this month as a means of identifying hooligans and enforcing banning orders.

The association also says visiting fans at matches that are marred by violence will be given 18-month bans from buying tickets for matches between the two teams involved.