Scotland vs Israel: Women's Euro 2025 Qualifier Set to be Played Without Spectators
The upcoming qualification match for the Women's Euro 2025 between Scotland and Israel will take place in Glasgow on May 31 without fans in attendance, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) confirmed on Tuesday. This decision has been made due to 'the risk of disruption' amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The match, scheduled to be held at Hampden Park, was subject to extensive consultations on security with all relevant parties. 'The stadium operations team have been informed of the risks of disruption to the match and, as a result, we have no option but to play the match without fans,' stated the SFA.
The current conflict has severely affected the region, with the Hamas attack on Israeli soil on October 7 resulting in over 1,170 deaths, primarily civilians. This was followed by an Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 35,647 casualties, mostly civilians, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Israel's Economic Future Clouded with Uncertainty Amid War
The war has also cast a shadow over Israel's economic future. Credit rating agency S&P recently released a review highlighting concerns about Israel's economic recovery, following a downgrade of the nation’s credit rating. Despite a strong growth of 3.3% in the first quarter of this year, S&P predicts a sluggish recovery with real economic growth expected to be just 0.5% in 2024, potentially climbing to 5% in 2025 as the geopolitical climate stabilizes.
S&P's concerns stem from several factors including the strained relations with the US, the International Court of Justice's request for arrest warrants against key Israeli officials, and potential internal political turmoil such as the threat of Yo Benny Gantz, head of the State Camp, resigning from the government. The review also speculated on risks of further escalations in the region, which could exacerbate the economic uncertainty.
The company warned that the deterioration in Israel's relations with its closest allies could harm investor confidence and impede economic recovery. 'We see that the risks to Israel's credit rating remain high. In addition to the possibility of escalation - for example, a direct confrontation with Iran or a more direct conflict with Hezbollah in northern Israel - the deterioration in relations with close allies presents significant risks to Israel's economic prospects,' stated S&P.
- The situation not only affects sports events but also has far-reaching impacts on international relations and economic forecasts, highlighting how intertwined global events can be. The Scottish FA’s decision underscores the importance of security and the extent to which ongoing conflicts can disrupt even international sports fixtures.
- The geopolitical tension has created a ripple effect, influencing economic forecasts and investor confidence. As seen with S&P's review, the market's response to evolving situations can significantly impact national economic stability and future growth prospects.
