Security risk zone declared in Amsterdam ahead of Ajax vs. Galatasaray match

Part of Amsterdam’s city center and the area around the Johan Cruijff ArenA will be designated a security risk zone on Wednesday from noon until midnight due to the UEFA Champions League match between Ajax and Turkish club Galatasaray. Within the security risk zone, police have the authority to carry out preventive searches, and face-covering clothing is prohibited.

The restrictions cover locations such as the Red Light District, Dam Square, the Spui, Waterlooplein, and Nieuwmarkt, as well as Amsterdam Centraal and Bijlmer ArenA stations. The designation aims to ensure the match runs safely, announced several local authorities, including the mayor, and the heads of the district police and prosecutor's office.

They cite concerns about possible public order incidents and the use of heavy illegal fireworks, referencing previous European matches, as well as the teams’ last encounter. During a previous Ajax–Galatasaray match in January, the municipality also designated part of Amsterdam’s city center and the Johan Cruijff ArenA as a security risk zone.

Ahead of that game, dozens of Galatasaray fans gathered at the Dam monument. Many of the Turkish club's fans were searched by police.

Ajax has implemented strict ticketing measures for this UEFA Champions League match. Tickets are generally only available to supporters who hold a Season Ticket or an Ajax Club Card issued before a specific date in August.

This policy is designed to strictly limit access to the stadium for away fans outside of the designated visitor section, which can only be accessed via the Turkish club. Any attempts to resell or forward tickets to persons without the necessary card may result in those tickets being blocked, with additional checks carried out at the stadium entrance.

Ajax is currently the worst team in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Amsterdammers are at the bottom of the 36-team league. Galatasaray have won their last two games in the competition and are currently in 14th place.