UEFA punishes ‘Israeli’ football club Maccabi Tel Aviv after fan violation

UEFA has punished ‘Israeli’ club Maccabi Tel Aviv by ordering it to play its next Europa League home match in an empty stadium following incidents involving fireworks set off by fans.

The decision was announced Monday in an urgent ruling by UEFA’s appeal panel.

The sanction stems from fireworks lit by supporters during Maccabi’s second qualifying round home game against Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol last Thursday.

That match, played at the Adjarabet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, ended in a 1-0 victory for the ‘Israeli’ club in front of 1,012 spectators. Maccabi hosts Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia on Thursday at the same neutral venue.

In addition to the closed-doors order, the club must pay a fine of 40,000 euros (approximately $46,000).

UEFA stated that Maccabi will play its next home game “behind closed doors.”

‘Israeli’ national and club teams have been required to stage UEFA competition “home” matches in neutral countries for security reasons since the outbreak of assault on Gaza in October 2023.

The timing of the ruling was significant.

It came on the same day as the UEFA draw for the qualifying playoffs.

The winner of Maccabi’s tie against CSKA Sofia was paired with Greek side OFI Crete, which will host the first leg on August 20.

Fireworks and pyrotechnics have long been a point of strict enforcement by European football’s governing body due to safety risks.

The punishment follows a pattern of disciplinary measures UEFA has applied to clubs across the continent for similar supporter misconduct.