League of Nations: the poster has been relocated, where will the match between Israel and France be played on Thursday evening?

Thursday 10th October 2024 06:06 AM

The third day of the League of Nations sees France challenge Israel. A match that the Blues are supposed to play away, on one of their opponent’s fields. But that won’t be the case.

After the receptions of Italy and Belgium in September, France continues its League of Nations campaign with a first tripThursday October 10, 2024. On paper, the Blues are supposed to play in Israel. But that won’t be the case.

Since October 7, 2023

The Hamas attacks carried out on October 7, 2023 against Israel also had repercussions on the national selection. Indeed, while the region is in the grip of great instability, the pennant team does not welcome no more meeting on its soil.

His first “home” match since that date was played on November 15, 2023: it was against Switzerland, in Felcsut, in Hungary. Ditto for that of the 18th against Romania, played in the same Pancho Arena. As for the two other receptions, against Iceland on March 21, 2024 and Italy on September 9, they were honored at Budapest. Always, therefore, in Hungary.

And against France?

Facing the Blues, the partners of Oscar Gloukh, player of RB Salzburg who recently received a notable visit from Brest (0-4), will play in the same enclosure as against Italy, during the second day of the Ligue des Bleus. nations. This is the Bozsik Arena in the Hungarian capital which will be the scene of this first duel since 2005 against France.

Why this choice?

As Eurosport reported, the fact that Israel has been operating in Hungary since the attacks of October 7 is, beyond strategic position of this central European countryalso linked to a political dimension. Viktor Orban and Benjamin NetanyahuHungarian and Israeli Prime Minister respectively, maintain strong relations.

Israeli Ambassador to Budapest, Yacos Hadas-Handelsman highlighted the “very good combination of personal relationships and pure love of sport and football with the Hungarian government. […] Until we can play at home, Hungary will be a good alternative“.

Same against Belgium

For its last “reception”, namely that of Belgium, Israel will once again set foot on the lawn of the Bozsik Arena from Budapest, according to the UEFA website. Note that the first leg was not played in Belgium. The Belgian authorities did not want to host the meeting, for fear of excesses. The match was played at Debrecen… and Hongrie!