The upcoming Europa League match between Besiktas and Maccabi Tel Aviv, initially scheduled for November 28 in Istanbul, will now be held in a "neutral country," as announced by Besiktas on Monday. The decision was made due to security concerns, given the rising political tensions between Turkey and Israel. Besiktas mentioned that they are in ongoing discussions with UEFA to finalize the location for this neutral venue.
This relocation comes amidst a period of heightened political friction between Turkey and Israel, particularly following the recent escalation of violence in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in his criticism of Israeli leadership since the conflict began, further intensifying anti-Israel sentiment within Turkey. Over the past year, demonstrations critical of Israel have increased across Turkey, often with the support of the government, reflecting the tense diplomatic climate. Given the political context, hosting an Israeli club like Maccabi Tel Aviv in Istanbul was deemed a high-risk event.
The safety of fans and players has been a key concern for both teams and UEFA, leading to the decision to move the match to a more neutral location. However, UEFA and Besiktas have not yet disclosed where this venue will be. In recent years, security considerations have increasingly influenced UEFA's handling of such fixtures, especially in sensitive political climates. By moving this game, UEFA aims to ensure a secure environment for the players, staff, and spectators involved.
This is not the first time that such measures have been taken. In previous instances of political tensions, UEFA has opted for neutral grounds to avoid the risk of fan confrontations or potential protests. For Israel, the situation also raises familiar security concerns. The Israeli government had previously advised its citizens and diplomats to avoid travel to Turkey amid similar political strains last year.
Besiktas, while disappointed to shift their home fixture, expressed understanding of the need for UEFA’s intervention. The club now awaits UEFA’s confirmation on the neutral venue, which will play host to this highly anticipated matchup in the Europa League.
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