Istanbul: A football match scheduled for later this month between a Turkish team and an Israeli team will take place in a “neutral country” rather than in Trkiye, as confirmed by the hosts and UEFA on Monday. The decision comes amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations over a genocide crisis.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Istanbul-based team Besiktas announced that despite obtaining all necessary permits from UEFA to host the UEFA Europa League match against Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 28, 2024, Turkish state authorities decided to relocate the match. This decision aims to prevent any provocative actions that could put Trkiye and the club in a challenging position. Besiktas has called on its supporters to remain sensitive to potential provocations.
UEFA, the governing body of European football, confirmed the development and stated that it is in discussions with Besiktas JK to determine an alternative neutral venue, which will be announced soon. The decision reflects ongoing security conce
rns, as Maccabi Tel Aviv is currently playing its home matches in Belgrade, Serbia. Their upcoming Europa League fixture will be against Ajax on November 7 at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena, followed by the game on November 28.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high between Trkiye and Israel, with Turkish officials issuing daily condemnations of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, where over 43,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Trkiye has cut off trade with Israel and joined a case filed at The Hague against Israel’s actions in Gaza. In response, Israeli officials have frequently criticized Turkish officials on social media.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Trkiye’s strong support for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict. Speaking at an Organization of the Islamic Cooperation gathering in Istanbul, Erdogan described the situation in Gaza as one of the most brutal genocides of the century.