Besiktas Match Against Maccabi Tel Aviv Moves to Neutral Venue

The UEFA Europa League match between Turkish club Beşiktaş and Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv, scheduled for November 28, 2024, will now take place in a neutral country due to heightened tensions and security concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Turkish authorities decided on this move despite having initially secured necessary permits, citing potential provocations. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has intensified his criticism of Israel, labeling its actions as genocide and comparing them to Nazi Germany, while anti-Israel demonstrations have surged in Turkey. UEFA is currently coordinating with Beşiktaş to finalize an alternative venue for the match. The decision reflects a broader sentiment in Turkey against Israeli military actions, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Maccabi Tel Aviv is presently playing its home matches in Belgrade, Serbia, due to safety concerns.