Alkmaar Sticks to Ban on Israeli Football Fans as Diplomatic Pressure and Legal Threats Mount
Alkmaar mayor Anja Schouten has reaffirmed the ban on Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters for the October 15 Europa League match against AZ, citing security risks linked to the 2024 Amsterdam violence. Israel has applied diplomatic pressure, including a call from the ambassador and a foreign minister-level discussion, but the municipality stands firm. A US-based legal group is considering a discrimination lawsuit.
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