Israeli Soccer League Game Rescheduled Ahead of Election Day
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The Israeli Football League Management moved a key match between Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Be'er Sheva to October 26, starting at 7:00 PM, due to the upcoming October 27 Knesset elections. Police requested the change as they prepare for election day security. The League Management also issued strict guidelines prohibiting political activity by clubs and their representatives ahead of the vote.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A major Israeli soccer match between Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Be'er Sheva was moved up to 7:00 PM on October 26.
- The game's rescheduling is due to the upcoming October 27 Knesset elections and police security preparations.
- The Israeli Football League Management has banned all political involvement by clubs and their representatives.
- Strict rules prohibit electioneering, political signage, and candidate appearances at games.
- The League Management cited FIFA and UEFA regulations against political interference in football.
The Israeli Football League Management has rescheduled a major match between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Haifa from the eighth round of the Premier League. The game, originally set for October 26, will now kick off at 7:00 PM instead of 8:30 PM. This change is a direct result of the upcoming Knesset elections scheduled for October 27 and police preparations for the voting day.
In anticipation of the elections, the League Management has issued directives to all professional clubs, emphasizing a strict prohibition on political involvement. Chairman Erez Halfon sent a letter to the clubs clarifying that any political activity by the clubs or their representatives, including electioneering, is forbidden. This ban extends beyond the field, covering actions outside of matches as well.
Halfon's letter detailed specific prohibited actions such as visiting candidates, posing for joint photos, entering locker rooms, or appearing on the field in ways that could be construed as political campaigning. The league also stated that the prohibition applies to political advertisements within stadium premises, including static or temporary signage, banners, flags, distribution of propaganda materials, LED screens, electronic boards, digital advertising, and public address systems.
The League Management reminded clubs that such political involvement contradicts regulations set by FIFA, UEFA, and the Israel Football Association, warning of potential damage to Israeli football. Clubs are also responsible for ensuring that any third parties using their advertising spaces do not exploit them for election purposes. The decision to move the game was made following a request from the Israel Police, which requires increased resources for election day security and cannot allocate officers for soccer match security in the immediate period.
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