Turkey bans Europa League match between Besiktas and Maccabi Tel Aviv due to possible 'provocative actions' as UEFA seek 'neutral' country

Besiktas will have been hoping to rely on their intimidating crowd when they welcomed Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on November 28, but that will no longer be the case. Turkish state authorities have officially banned the match from being played in Turkey as tensions between them and Israel continue to rise. Besiktas released a statement and clarified that the fixture was moved due to the threat of "provocative actions".

The club's statement read: "Despite all necessary permits being obtained from UEFA to host the UEFA Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 28, 2024, at our stadium, the Turkish state authorities have decided that the match will be played in a neutral country due to the possibility of provocative actions.

"As Besiktas, a club with a 121-year history that has never shied away from any sporting challenge, we will approach this UEFA Europa League match with the same determination and sportsmanship, regardless of where or under what conditions it is played.

"We believe that the great Besiktas supporters will demonstrate the necessary sensitivity to counter any provocative actions aimed at putting our country and our club in a difficult position.

"Discussions are ongoing between our club and UEFA regarding the neutral country where the Beşiktaş-Maccabi Tel Aviv match will be played."

Besiktas may be feeling aggrieved at the decision as they need to pick up form in the Europa League. UEFA gave the green light for the fixture to go ahead in Turkey, but they have been overruled. With just one win in their opening three games, it remains a crucial clash against Tel Aviv, who are yet to win in Europe.

A statement from UEFA read: "Following a decision by the Turkish authorities, the UEFA Europa League match between Besiktas and Maccabi Tel-Aviv on 28 November 2024 will take place at a neutral venue. UEFA is in contact with Besiktas to find an alternative neutral venue, which will be announced in due course."

A neutral venue has not yet been decided for the match, nor has the decision been made as to whether fans will be allowed to attend. Besiktas plan to send out another statement clarifying things with just three weeks to go until the match is scheduled to be played.