Nicosia: The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Wednesday criticized the Greek Cypriot Administration for attempting to thwart football club Barcelona's plan to hold a training camp in the TRNC for young players.

According to Anadolu Agency, TRNC President Tufan Erhurman expressed concern over social media reports indicating attempts by certain factions within the Greek Cypriot Administration to prevent the camp's organization. Erhurman emphasized the importance of ensuring that neither Turkish Cypriots nor Greek Cypriots are deprived of opportunities that are available to young people in other countries due to the ongoing Cyprus issue.

Erhurman stated, "You may call getting the festival canceled and trying to prevent children from playing football a diplomatic victory, but from a humanitarian perspective, it is clear to me that this is a defeat for all people and for humanity." He urged that such events should remain apolitical, citing past calls by UN, EU, and Council of Europe institutions since 2004 to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

Barcelona has announced that the training camp for young players is set to take place in the TRNC on September 11. Meanwhile, the far-right National Popular Front party has urged the Greek Cypriot Administration's Foreign Ministry to exert pressure on Spain to halt the camp.