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The match on November 14 in the League of Nations, anecdotal from a sporting point of view, will be played in front of just 20,000 spectators, supervised by around 4,000 policemen and gendarmes and 1,600 security agents. In particular, Emmanuel Macron and Michel Barnier are expected.
It has been a long time since the match between France and Israel, scheduled for Thursday evening, 14 November at the Stade de France, is no longer a football match like the others, but has a symbolic and political meaning that goes far beyond its meaning. sports bets. This meeting of the League of Nations (an anecdotal competition organized by UEFA) has, in fact, transformed into something completely different after the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the Israeli invasion of Gaza and Lebanon. Add to this the anti-Semitic violence and racist slogans that characterized Amsterdam on the sidelines of the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv on Thursday 7 November, and you get a highly flammable object.
The atmosphere, first of all, seems gloomy. There will be no crowds in Saint-Denis as fewer than 20,000 tickets (the stadium has 80,000 seats) have found buyers, according to the French Football Federation (FFF). As a result the upper part of the stands will be closed. Despite the welcome messages sent to them on Tuesday 12 November by the Minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, there will not be many Israeli supporters. On Sunday, from Jerusalem, the National Security Council urged its citizens to do so “avoid attending sports matches and cultural events involving Israelis,” focusing precisely on this meeting. He also advises supporters not to display signs identifying them as Jewish or Israeli.
“An extremely strengthened system”
From a security perspective, you should expect it “an extremely reinforced system” : 4,000 police officers and gendarmes will be mobilized, as well as 1,600 private officers (an average match in this stadium requires around 1,000 police officers and 1,000 stewards) “inside”, “in the immediate vicinity of the stadium, but also on all spectator routes”, This was reported by the Paris police headquarters. In other words, on Thursday at the Stade de France there will be a uniform for four fan shirts.
However, you will need to have passed the gauntlet of the Police Headquarters. The tickets are nominative and the identity of each person will be previously verified by the police to exclude certain profiles. “undesirable”. For the first time in France, according to the head of accreditation of the Stade de France, André Decarnelle, journalists are also worried. To attend the match, they had to provide a passport or identity card number “riddled” from the prefecture.
Palestinian flags and “political messages” banned.
Once there, the prefecture announces enhanced searches accompanied by identity checks. Water bottles, canteens and backpacks will be prohibited. In an unprecedented move, the shops located around the stadium will be closed from 3.30pm, while inside the enclosure the first rows will be left empty to prevent the pitch from being invaded. On the other hand, be wary of anyone who would like to demonstrate anything other than cheering for one of the two teams on the pitch. Guest on Sunday 10 November on BFMTV, the police prefect, Laurent Nuñez, announced this for “high risk game”, Palestinian flags and “political messages” will be prohibited in the enclosure.
On the left, voices were raised to call for the cancellation or boycott of the match to protest against the policies led by Benjamin Netanyahu. On Tuesday, France insoumise deputies called for the meeting to be canceled, highlighting the risk “very strong disorder”. On the other hand, the government played the game “a question of principle”, through the voice of his Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau. At least four eminent political guests will also be welcomed in the stands: Emmanuel Macron, Michel Barnier, François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. But one question remains: is it really reasonable to play football in a fortress?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Security Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today, Dr. Camille Léger, a renowned security analyst with deep expertise in high-stakes events. We’re here to discuss the upcoming League of Nations match between France and Israel on November 14 at the Stade de France, which has garnered significant attention due to its symbolic context and heightened security measures.
Dr. Camille Léger: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. It’s always important to analyze the implications of such events, especially in today’s climate.
Editor: Exactly. Let’s dive right in. With only 20,000 spectators expected at an 80,000-seat stadium, it seems attendance is significantly down. What do you believe are the main factors contributing to this low turnout?
Léger: Several factors are at play. The ongoing tensions following the terrorist attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli response have created an atmosphere of unease. Additionally, the National Security Council of Israel has advised its citizens to refrain from attending events where their identity might expose them to risk. This has clearly discouraged many Israeli fans from traveling.
Editor: It does create a somber atmosphere. Coupled with that, we have the unprecedented security measures in place—4,000 police officers and 1,600 private security agents on duty. What does this level of security signify for the event and for future sporting events in high-tension scenarios?
Léger: This is indeed an extremely fortified security system, unprecedented for a sporting event of this scale in France, indicating a serious concern for public safety. It sets a precedent that organizers of similar events might need to adopt in the future, particularly when geopolitical tensions are high. We’re entering an era where security becomes paramount, often overshadowing the sporting aspects.
Editor: With such rigorous security, how will spectator experience likely change, especially considering the provision of nominative tickets and identity checks?
Léger: For fans, it means a more cumbersome and invasive entry process. Checks on identities can lead to longer wait times, and some fans may feel a sense of discomfort. However, these measures are essential for safety and are likely to become normalized in high-stakes events. The question remains—how can we balance safety with the enjoyment of the event?
Editor: Furthermore, there’s a notable absence of Israeli supporters and a closure of upper stands to discourage gatherings. How does this affect the atmosphere traditionally associated with a football match?
Léger: The absence of fans alters the dynamic significantly. Football matches are known for their vibrant atmospheres; the cheers, chants, and camaraderie contribute to the experience. A sparsely populated stadium can feel unsettling and even hostile at times, rather than celebratory. It’s a stark reminder of the socio-political issues overshadowing the sport.
Editor: Security concerns clearly overlap with the broader narrative of the match. Given everything we’ve discussed, do you think future sporting events will be shaped by these experiences?
Léger: Absolutely. We must recognize that sports can be a reflection of societal issues. As past incidents like this shape public perception, event organizers may increasingly adapt their strategies—both in terms of security and audience engagement. We are witnessing a shift where political realities are directly influencing the world of sports.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Léger, for your insights today. It’s insightful to understand how deeply interconnected politics, security, and sports have become in these turbulent times.
Léger: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that as we move forward, we remain vigilant but also continue to celebrate what unites us through sport.