November 5 – The Europa League match between Beşiktaş and Maccabi Tel Aviv will not be played in Istanbul. The announcement was made by the club and UEFA after consultation with Turkish authorities.
The match was supposed to take place on November 28 in Istanbul, but due to security reasons, it will now be moved to a neutral country, though where the match will be held is unclear.
“Despite the necessary permits being obtained from UEFA to host the UEFA Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv on 28 November 2024, at our stadium, the Turkish authorities have decided that the match will be played in a neutral country due to the possibility of provocative actions.
“As Beşiktaş, a club with a 121-year history that has never shied away from any sporting challenge, we will approach this UEFA Europa League match with the same determination and sportsmanship, regardless of where or under what conditions it is played,” said a club statement.
“We believe that the great Beşiktaş supporters will demonstrate the necessary sensitivity to counter any provocative actions aimed at putting our country and our club in a difficult position.
“Discussions are ongoing between our club and UEFA regarding the neutral country where the Beşiktaş v Maccabi Tel Aviv match will be played.”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1732194371labto1732194371ofdlr1732194371owedi1732194371sni@o1732194371fni1732194371