Gil Avérous firmly defends France-Israel match at the Stade de France

France’s Minister of Sport, Gil Avérous, told franceinfo on Saturday November 9 that it was essential “not to back down” from the decision to hold the soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France on November 14. For the 5th round of the Nations League, he supports this decision, considering that “it would be regrettable to give in to those who seek to intimidate or disrupt this event.”

Heightened security for a closely watched match

Reassuring the public, Gil Avérous points out that France has demonstrated its ability to organize large-scale events, notably with the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games, where security was managed without incident. For this match, 4,000 police and gendarmes will be mobilized, including 2,500 around the Stade de France and 1,500 deployed in Paris, in coordination with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and the Prefect of Police.

Encouragement to support the team in the stands

Despite this mobilization, public enthusiasm remains limited, with only 20,000 tickets sold to date. This low level of enthusiasm follows the recent violence at a Europa League match in Amsterdam, where Israeli supporters were targeted. “These events abroad obviously call for caution,” admits Gil Avérous, while expressing optimism that sales will increase. “It’s important for everyone to understand that we must not give in, we must not resign ourselves,” says the Minister, inviting the public to attend this France-Israel match.