Vienna police plan major operation for Austria Vienna Beitar match

Vienna police are preparing a major operation for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League match between FK Austria Vienna and Beitar Jerusalem at the Generali Arena in Favoriten, ORF reported. Police expect an elevated security risk around the game.

A pro-Palestinian rally has been announced for 5 p.m. on Thursday at Reumannplatz in Vienna. Organisers plan to protest Beitar Jerusalem’s participation in the competition. The background includes the La Familia fan group, which has reportedly attracted attention for anti-Arab slogans.

Police told the Austrian Press Agency that they had taken appropriate measures to protect fan groups and rally participants. The measures will include both visible and covert operations across Vienna and around the stadium.

FIFA sanctions against Israeli football association

In March, FIFA’s disciplinary committee sanctioned the Israel Football Association, among other reasons for breaches of anti-discrimination rules. A report by FIFA’s disciplinary committee concluded that the association had failed to take effective action against Beitar Jerusalem over persistent and well-documented racist behaviour.

FIFA said the association was required to pay a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, around 164,300 euros. The investigation began after a request from the Palestinian Football Association.

Parts of Beitar Jerusalem’s fan scene are considered racist and anti-Islamic. Fans have repeatedly caused outrage in the past with racist abuse, particularly targeting Arab people.