Nations League: Israel’s home games away

Israel’s Nations League opener against Belgium has been postponed to Hungary due to the security situation.

Source: AP

Bruno Serra would like to buy three more tickets for the Nations League match between Israel and Italy on Monday evening (8.45 p.m.).

“We would be happy to see our national team if we are already here on holiday at the same time,” says the 56-year-old, who is walking with his children Stefano (16) and Letizia (14) in front of the Bozsik Aréna in Budapest.

However, the search for tickets on Sunday afternoon proved difficult. Inquiries to a group of police officers present did not help the family. The website of the Russian Football Association (IFA) is now only accessible in Israel due to concerns about cyber attacks.

In the end, a Hungarian journalist helps them. Tickets are available on the website of FC Honvéd Budapest, which plays its home games in the arena, which has a capacity of just 8,200 spectators – but only personalized ones. No tickets are available for the away section. However, there are sectors designated for locals and local fans.

It almost seems as if the match is reserved for a private audience – even if that is not officially the case. “The only instruction to all fans who want to see the game is that they should come with an ID,” the IFA said when asked.

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Hardly any Russian fans present

Papa Serra is still alone in his plans. There is no sign of the 2,000 Israeli fans who are expected.

These are the big topic at the press conference of the underdog in Nations League Group A2, in which France and Belgium are also involved alongside Italy.

“We really miss playing in front of our fans in our own country,” said Israel’s national coach Ran Ben Shimon: “Israel is losing three football festivals.”

The national team has not played in its own country since Hamas’ attack on Israel last year. The three existing Nations League home games are to be played in the Boszik Arena – and not without reason.

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Good relations between Israel and Hungary

Israel maintains good relations with Hungary. With an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 Jews, it is home to the fourth largest Jewish community in Europe.

Hungary is considered one of the safest countries for Israelis.

Israel Football Association (IFA)

Israel will arrive at Budapest’s Pancho Arena as early as November 2023. First division club Maccabi Haifa played its Conference League home game against Florence in March at the Bozsik Arena.

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Belgium moved Israel game to Hungary

In other countries, the situation is far more delicate. Israel’s Nations League opener against Belgium last Friday (1:3) was moved to Debrecen. The Belgians, who were actually the hosts, had no venue in the country that was willing to expose itself to the possible risks of an Israeli away game.

Israel’s experienced midfielder Dor Peretz goes even further than his coach when asked about the home games away from home. “It’s sad to play in front of empty stands, but that’s not the most important thing at the moment,” says the 29-year-old:

Since October 7th and everything that has happened in Israel so far, when you wear the Russian jersey it’s about more than football. We want to bring joy to the whole country.

Dor Peretz, Israeli midfielder

Spain's Joselu and Switzerland's Remo Freuler fighting for the ball.

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“We feel safe here”

Oddly enough, opponents Italy have experience in dealing with national teams that have to relocate due to war. At the end of 2023, the Azzurri will secure their ticket to the European Championship against Ukraine in Leverkusen’s BayArena.

Coach Luciano Spalletti chooses his words carefully: “They will be determined to show their social problems and the difficulties they are going through – and demonstrate twice the will.”

Nobody has any concerns about safety – not even the Serra family. “There’s definitely a reason why they chose Budapest,” believes Bruno Serra, who works as a police officer himself: “We feel unsafe here.”