AEL basketball coach Kalia Papadopoulou reports abuse from APOEL fans

Following the ECOMMBX Cup 2026 semifinal basketball match, AEL coach Kalia Papadopoulou reported verbal abuse from organized APOEL supporters. AEL won the game against APOEL with a final score of 85-76, securing their place in the tournament final. Papadopoulou stated that she has faced consistent verbal abuse from these fans during matches over the past three years. She emphasized that as the only female coach in the first division, she deserves respectful conduct from the opposing fans. The coach described the targeted insults as racist and inappropriate. No immediate response or statement has been provided by APOEL regarding these specific allegations. The incident has brought attention to the treatment of female professionals within the sport. The game result remains unchanged by these reports.