Hapoel Be'er Sheva Fans Barred From Alkmaar Match

Hapoel Be'er Sheva has been informed that its fans will not be permitted to attend the team's upcoming Europa League away match against AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands. The decision was made by local Dutch authorities and has remained in place despite extensive efforts by the Israeli club to overturn it. Hapoel Be'er Sheva engaged with local authorities and other relevant bodies, and also appealed to UEFA, in an attempt to find a solution that would allow supporters to attend. However, all these attempts were unsuccessful.

The club emphasized that they did not easily give up on the possibility of their fans attending, exploring various options until it became clear that the Dutch authorities were unwilling to change their stance. This decision is particularly disappointing for Be'er Sheva, as some fans had already made travel plans to the Netherlands. The club stated that the decision was beyond its control and that they were forced to accept the imposed reality.

UEFA's involvement also failed to alter the outcome. The club had hoped the European football governing body could mediate with local authorities or facilitate a special arrangement for fans. Despite this, the local decision stood, and the match will proceed without organized Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters in the stands. This situation presents a challenge for the team, which will have to play a significant European away game without its usual fan support.

Shino Zuarz, Chairman of the Israel Football Association, was actively involved in the attempts to reverse the decision. He reportedly followed the issue for weeks, maintained contact with club officials, and utilized his connections to advocate for the fans. The club expressed significant appreciation for his efforts, acknowledging that he did everything within his power to assist, but his attempts, like the club's, were ultimately unsuccessful in changing the Dutch authorities' position.

For the fans, the consequence is clear: those who planned to travel will be unable to enter the stadium. This is seen as a considerable blow to the team's atmosphere and the support the players are accustomed to receiving, especially given Be'er Sheva's reputation for having a loyal fanbase that travels to support the team abroad. The absence of this support is considered particularly impactful for a crucial European match against a strong opponent on unfamiliar ground.

The match itself will proceed as scheduled. Hapoel Be'er Sheva will travel to the Netherlands to face AZ Alkmaar. The players and coaching staff will need to focus on the professional task at hand, aiming to overcome the circumstances. The club has communicated its regret to fans who planned to attend, reiterating that all possible efforts were made and that the decision was not theirs. They acknowledged the disappointment but stressed that the outcome was dictated by the local authorities.