Besiktas protests fan ban for Twente match, demands UEFA to relocate

Besiktas has formally asked UEFA to relocate their upcoming Europa League Twente match to another city or country because of safety concerns.

The match, scheduled for Jan. 30, 2025, at FC Twente Stadion in Enschede, the Netherlands, faces controversy after Enschede Mayor Roelof Bleker banned Besiktas fans from attending.

Enschede mayor’s decision to ban Besiktas fans from Twente match draws criticism

Enschede Mayor Roelof Bleker announced the fan ban for the Twente match on December 13, citing a “high-risk” assessment from local authorities. He referred to previous incidents involving Besiktas fans at European matches as the reason for his decision.

Despite a Dec. 17 meeting that included Besiktas officials, UEFA representatives, Twente management, and Enschede authorities, Bleker upheld his decision in a formal letter sent on Dec. 20.

Besiktas condemned this decision, describing it as discriminatory. The club stated: “Mayor Roelof Bleker has insisted on his arbitrary decision, citing past behaviors of our fans as justification.”

Besiktas proposes moving the match to ensure fan safety

Besiktas has urged UEFA to relocate the Twente match to a venue where both teams’ fans can safely attend. In their statement, the club declared, “We do not want to play the FC Twente match in Enschede, where even the mayor claims safety cannot be guaranteed.”

They suggested holding the match in another city or country to provide “a friendly and secure atmosphere for both teams’ fans.”

During the December 17 meeting, Besiktas Vice Presidents Onur Gocmez and Mete Vardar assured local authorities that the club would comply with all security measures and ticketing procedures.

Despite these commitments, they criticized Mayor Bleker’s refusal to reconsider his decision for the Twente match, describing it as unfair.

UEFA’s decision on Besiktas’s petition remains pending

UEFA has not yet responded to Besiktas’s request. If UEFA approves the relocation, an alternative venue will be selected. Besiktas emphasized the importance of protecting fans and maintaining the integrity of the game.

The situation follows several incidents involving Besiktas fans at previous European matches, which have drawn heightened scrutiny. Mayor Bleker’s decision is similar to concerns during Fenerbahce’s recent game against Twente, which also saw disturbances.

Besiktas affirmed their commitment to safeguarding the rights of their fans and the club, stating: “We have taken steps through UEFA and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to challenge this unjust decision. We aim to ensure the Twente match is held in a location that guarantees fairness and safety for all participants.”