Israel's National Football Teams Remain Barred From Hosting Home Games Abroad

Three years after the October 7th attacks, Israeli national football teams are still unable to host international matches within the country, a situation that has persisted since the security escalation. While other sports like athletics and basketball have managed to resume hosting events in Israel, football, considered the flagship sport, remains internationally isolated. Hopes for a return to normalcy, which were high in early June following discussions with UEFA officials including representatives from Georgia, Kosovo, and Albania, have since faded. These discussions, held at a Tel Aviv hotel, involved senior UEFA figures and family members of the bride, Shino Zouaretz, who is also a member of the UEFA Executive Committee. Despite initial optimism expressed in off-the-record conversations about the possibility of Israeli home games returning, the current Nations League competition has seen the Israeli national team playing all its matches outside the country.

The situation has become more complex, with some European clubs now refusing to host Israeli teams altogether. "It's no longer a question of when we will return to playing in the country, but rather how we survive this period and continue to play in European competitions, with the national teams and clubs," stated sources within the Football Association. The primary concern has shifted from returning home to simply maintaining participation in international tournaments.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva, the sole Israeli club competing in European leagues this season, is facing significant challenges. Although they qualified for the Europa League, they are unable to play at their home stadium, Turner. Their initial home match was played in Bucharest, Romania, and their upcoming away game in Alkmaar, Netherlands, is complicated by the city's municipality, with support from Amsterdam, prohibiting Israeli fans from attending. Alkmaar wishes to play in the Netherlands but without any Israeli supporters. Efforts are underway by the Football Association and UEFA to allow a limited number of Be'er Sheva fans, around 200, to attend. Belgian club Saint-Gilloise has gone further, not only refusing to host Be'er Sheva but also requesting the match be played in Dusseldorf, Germany. Belgium was also the first national team to refuse to host Israel, moving a match to Hungary in September 2024.

The decision to ban international matches in Israel was made by UEFA shortly after October 7th, citing security concerns in an unstable region. However, initial sympathy for Israel has reportedly waned, with some, like the Icelandic national team coach, accusing Israel of genocide and calling for its expulsion from competitions. Since the escalation, the Israeli national team has played all 12 of its international home matches in Hungary, initially near Budapest and more recently in Debrecen. This arrangement incurs significant costs for security, travel, and accommodation, with no revenue from local fans, and also impacts the team's performance due to the lack of home advantage and crowd support.

Officials within the Football Association express that a return to hosting games in Israel is not imminent. "We are not even close to a state of normalcy," they stated, emphasizing that the geopolitical and security situation, including threats from Iran, prevents any immediate return. A dramatic shift from the highest levels would be required. Despite these challenges, Hungary continues to be a supportive ally, providing secure environments and suitable stadiums, facilitating travel for Israeli teams and fans. However, this support is seen as a temporary measure, with no clear end in sight for the prolonged absence of international football from Israel.