Besiktas to Host Hapoel Be'er Sheva in Georgia After Erdogan Approval

Hapoel Be'er Sheva's Europa League match against Turkish club Besiktas will be moved to Batumi, Georgia, due to entry restrictions for Israelis into Turkey following the October 7th events. Israeli citizens are currently barred from entering Turkey for security reasons, necessitating a neutral venue for the game.

According to Turkish reports, Besiktas consulted with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the alternative venue, the Batumi Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 20,000 spectators. Erdogan reportedly approved the location before the decision was finalized.

Besiktas is reportedly unhappy with the decision to play away from their home stadium and has complained to UEFA, arguing that the schedule, which includes playing five away games and only three at home, is unfair. This situation echoes a previous encounter where Maccabi Tel Aviv played Besiktas in the Europa League two years ago, winning 3-1.

In a related incident from that past match, a Maccabi Tel Aviv player celebrated a goal with a salute to the sky in memory of fallen soldiers. This gesture drew criticism in Turkey, with some Turkish journalists labeling it a military act and demanding the player's suspension.