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Dutch Authorities Bar Hapoel Be'er Sheva Fans From Alkmaar Match
Dutch authorities have banned Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans from attending their Europa League away match against AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The decision was finalized by the city of Alkmaar following an emergency city council meeting, with local officials, the police, and the public prosecutor's office citing high security risks and public safety concerns.
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What happened
- 01Dutch authorities banned Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans from the October 15, 2026, Europa League match in Alkmaar due to high security risks.
- 02The decision was made collectively by the Alkmaar municipality, local police, and the public prosecutor's office.
- 03Israeli officials fear the ban sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to widespread restrictions on Israeli fans traveling across Europe.
- 04Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Football Association Chairman Shino Zuarz unsuccessfully appealed the ban to UEFA and Dutch authorities.
- 05Security sources warned that large Muslim communities and radical pro-Palestinian groups pose major security challenges for Israeli sports in Europe.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Shino Zuarz, the Chairman of the Football Association, made extensive efforts over several weeks to appeal the ruling through UEFA and local Dutch bodies, but UEFA ultimately confirmed the ban. The Israeli club expressed deep regret and apologized to the fans who had planned to travel for the match.
Israeli sports and security officials view the ban as a dangerous precedent that could allow other European countries to refuse Israeli fans when facing security challenges. Security sources noted that while the situation in the Netherlands is relatively stable, large Muslim communities and radical pro-Palestinian groups in other European countries, such as England, Belgium, and France, present significant security challenges for Israeli sports.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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