Ever since the UEFA Europa League draw was in late August, VfB Stuttgart 1893 has been working incredibly hard on the organisational side of the club's home game on Thursday 11 December 2025 against Maccabi Tel Aviv (kick-off at 18.45 CET). While it is undoubtedly a match unlike any other, it also promises to be another highlight in the team’s Europa League campaign. VfB Stuttgart is looking forward to this important game against Maccabi Tel Aviv, whilst at the same time calling for it to be played out in a peaceful and respectful manner.
“The home game against Maccabi Tel Aviv will be an important night on the European footballing calendar, and one which brings with it the responsibility to show the way in terms of mutual respect and interaction," said Alexander Wehrle, VfB Stuttgart CEO. "The MHP Arena is and always will be a place for football, fan culture, positive emotions and a warm welcome to all supporters. Football must bring people together, not divide them. In the past, Stuttgart as a home of international sport has always made sure to set this example. This is something that we intend to continue, and we have made the best possible provisions to this effect.”
Security, cooperation and mutual responsibility
In conjunction with the away club Maccabi Tel Aviv, UEFA, Stuttgart city administration, the police and all of the other emergency services, VfB Stuttgart has devised a comprehensive security plan. It has involved external sources of expertise such as the state representative against antisemitism Dr Michael Blume, and the ‘What Matters’ and ‘Zusammen1’ organisations. VfB Stuttgart has also been and will continue to be in constant dialogue with the fan committee regarding this particular home tie. The club is also in contact with SC Freiburg, who will be at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv on 22 January 2026.
For security reasons, there will be significantly increased entry checks to the MHP Arena and a heightened presence from the police and other security services. VfB Stuttgart is asking all those attending the match to get to the MHP Arena as early as possible, to expect lengthy waiting times getting into the stadium and to work together cooperatively to ensure that the process is as seamless as possible.
The matchday security plan includes the following points:
Responsibility and respect
VfB Stuttgart would like to thank all visitors to the stadium in advance for their support and ask them to be fair and show mutual respect inside the ground. VfB will take action against any and all disturbances and infringements of any kind.
“We want to make sure that all fans get to see a safe and peaceful game of football,” said Carsten Höfler, deputy chief of police and head of operations. “We will be putting all of our professional capacities to work in this respect, as we did for UEFA EURO 2024.”
