security risk, boycott… Why supporters are shunning the meeting

The group of supporters of the French Irreducibles launched a survey among its members to determine the reasons for their absence during the France-Israel match, Thursday in the Nations League at the Stade de France.

This is only a small sample but it gives an overview of the reasons for the very low attendance expected at the Stade de France, this Thursday (8:45 p.m.) for the League of Nations meeting between France and Israel. Only 20,000 people are expected to attend the match, which is placed under very high police surveillance due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. This should constitute the record for the lowest number of spectators at the Stade de France for a Blues match, since France-Australia in the Confederations Cup in 2003 (36,000 people).

15% say they are boycotting the match

This disaffection also affects the Irréducible Français, the official group of supporters of the Blues. To find out the reasons for these numerous absences, the IFs launched a survey among their members. And the identity of the opponent matters a lot according to 45% of the votes cast, for several reasons (security, boycott, etc.).

Of the 445 voters, 34% first said they were unavailable or lacked time off (especially after the Euro). After the practical explanations, come those linked to the context of the match. In detail, 30% say they are not coming because of the “security risk around the match” and 15% say they are boycotting this match against Israel due to the international context.

The low stakes and the somewhat strained link with Didier Deschamps' team are then expressed. Of those voting, 9% will not make the trip due to disinterest in the poster and the competition. The other reasons given are the “current stories at the heart of the France team” (4%), logistical or budgetary problems (3%), the probable lack of atmosphere (2%) or other reasons (4%). 225 members of the Irrésistibles Français are expected at the Stade de France on Thursday evening, while there are usually between 800 and 2000 depending on the poster.