Thunderclap: an MP calls for the cancellation of the France-Israel match planned at the Stade de France. The government categorically refuses but promises to adapt the security system. Controversy to follow…
A controversy is growing around the France-Israel football match, scheduled for November 14 at the Stade de France. Louis Boyard, deputy of the La France insoumise party, has in fact thrown a wrench into the pond by demanding its outright cancellation. His arguments? The recent Israeli bombings on Gaza and Lebanon, which he considers contrary to human rights and FIFA statutes.
But on the government side, there is no question of giving in. Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior, could not have been clearer: the match will take place. For him, it is above all a “question of principle”. France must be capable of enforcing public order on its territory, whatever the geopolitical issues.
Accusations of “double standards”
For Louis Boyard, however, this position is not tenable. He denounces a “double standard” on the part of FIFA and France. Referring to the sanctions taken against Russia, Belarus and South Africa in the past, he is surprised that no similar measure has been taken against Israel:
“When it comes to Israeli government policy, we do absolutely nothing”
Louis Boyard, MP La France insoumise
The representative of the radical left believes that by maintaining this match at all costs, France is seeking to “import the conflicts of the Middle East” onto its soil. An argument swept aside by Bruno Retailleau, for whom it is, on the contrary, a matter of not allowing one's conduct to be dictated by external considerations.
A reinforced security system
Although the match should therefore take place, the government still had to adapt to this tense context. Laurent Nuñez, Paris police prefect, promised an “extremely reinforced security system” around the Stade de France on November 14. “Very high level” measures will be deployed, both inside and outside the enclosure.
Bruno Retailleau even suggested that the capacity of 80,000 spectators could be reduced for the occasion. A possibility “under study” according to the minister, in order to facilitate the work of the police. Regardless, the message is clear: there is no question of giving in to pressure, the match will be held at all costs.
A case far from over
Despite this categorical refusal from the government, the controversy is far from over. Louis Boyard and other elected officials from the radical left are not giving up, and intend to maintain the pressure in the weeks to come. The objective? Force the cancellation of this match which has become highly symbolic.
For their part, the French football authorities and the authorities want to be reassuring. All means will be implemented to ensure the safety of the public and the smooth running of the meeting. See you on November 14 for a match that already promises to be high tension, both on and off the field.
