UEFA Blocks PAOK Fans from Attending Rijeka Europa League Play-Off Match
In a recent development ahead of the Europa League play-offs, UEFA has prohibited supporters of PAOK from entering the stadium in Rijeka for the first leg of the tie. This decision follows a formal request from Croatian authorities, aiming to ensure security and order during the match.
PAOK’s Official Statement on Fan Attendance Restrictions
As the team prepares for their away fixture against Rijeka on Thursday, August 21, 2025, all eyes are on the Europa League clash. However, PAOK has announced that their fans will not be permitted to attend the game in person. The club has urged traveling supporters to avoid approaching the stadium due to stringent security measures imposed by local officials.
PAOK’s official communication reads:
“PAOK FC has received an official notification from UEFA informing us that, following a request from Croatian authorities, our fans will not be allowed to support the team at the away match against Rijeka in the UEFA Europa League 2025-26 play-offs.
We strongly advise our supporters who plan to travel to Rijeka to refrain from approaching the stadium, as local law enforcement will conduct rigorous checks with multiple security zones. No fan without a valid ticket will be permitted near the venue.”
Context and Security Measures Ahead of the Match
This precautionary measure reflects ongoing efforts across European football to maintain safety during high-stakes matches. Similar restrictions have been implemented in recent seasons, especially in fixtures involving passionate fanbases where tensions can escalate. For instance, UEFA imposed comparable limitations during the 2024 Europa Conference League play-offs to prevent crowd disturbances.
PAOK supporters are encouraged to follow official club channels for updates and to respect the local regulations to avoid any complications during their visit to Croatia.