Hungary May Change or Postpone Be'er Sheva vs Red Star Belgrade Champions League Match Due to Energy Crisis

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is scheduled to face Red Star Belgrade in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The match was originally set for 19:30 local time in Hungary (20:30 Israel time). However, the Hungarian Football Federation announced on August 1, 2026, that due to an ongoing energy crisis linked to the Danube River's low water levels, all football matches in Hungary must now start no later than 17:30 to avoid using electric lighting and reduce energy consumption. This new regulation is indefinite and aims to mitigate electricity shortages caused by cooling system failures in power generation.

If the match time cannot be adjusted to meet this requirement, the game may be postponed. The federation emphasized the importance of social responsibility and energy conservation, stating that football must contribute to broader efforts to manage the crisis and prevent more severe consequences. This unusual situation reflects the wider impact of environmental conditions on sports scheduling in Hungary.

The decision affects not only this Champions League fixture but potentially other sporting events in Hungary, highlighting the intersection of environmental challenges and sports operations.