The holding of the France-Israel match at the Stade de France on November 14 is controversial. Despite a petition calling for its cancellation, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau wants to be reassuring about security measures and assures that the meeting will take place. A challenge for the authorities in the face of risks…
It’s a Football match that promises to be under high tension. On November 14, the French team must face Israel at the Stade de France for the 5th day of the Nations League. A match with an explosive geopolitical context which arouses heated controversy in France. But despite calls for a boycott, the authorities assure that the game will take place as planned.
A divisive France-Israel match
While ticket sales have started, a petition launched by the France Palestine Solidarity Association has ignited the debate in recent days. Relayed by LFI deputy Louis Boyard, it purely and simply demands the cancellation of this France-Israel return match. The signatories ask the French Football Federation as well as UEFA to take a position against “Israel's policy of colonization and apartheid” by excluding the Israeli selection from international competitions.
But the executive does not intend to give in to these pressures. Questioned on BFMTV, the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau bluntly confirmed that “the meeting will take place”. In the name of maintaining public order, the minister wants to believe that this match can take place in good conditions despite the opposition.
An “extremely reinforced” security system
Securing such a high-risk event represents an immense challenge for law enforcement. According to a source close to the matter, the match will be played under maximum surveillance with an “extremely reinforced security system” both inside and around the Dionysian enclosure. Objective: to prevent any overflow.
“We are going to adapt the security system, this is a point that we are currently studying,” specified Bruno Retailleau.
Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior
A reduction in the number of spectators is not excluded in this stadium with nearly 80,000 seats. Everything will be done to guarantee everyone's safety during this hot match.
France's political message at stake
Beyond the purely sporting aspect, the France-Israel outfit has a certain diplomatic significance. By refusing to give in to pressure from pro-Palestinians, the French government is sending a message on the international scene: that of refusing to mix sport and politics. A position which is not unanimous but which the Minister of the Interior defends tooth and nail.
“We are in France. We must be able to enforce public order,” insists Bruno Retailleau.
Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior
It now remains to transform the field test by organizing an event that meets the challenges. On November 14, all eyes will be on the Stade de France. The Blues will play much more than just a football match that evening.
