Calls grow for an Israel ban in European football
UEFA and FIFA are facing strong calls to ban Israel from football events after claims of war crimes in Gaza. Talks are now taking place at the top level of European football, though no ruling has been made yet.
UN experts have urged sanctions after a commission accused Israel of genocide, a charge that Israel denies while its fight with Hamas goes on. Some football fans have already protested.
During a Europa League game in Greece on September 24, PAOK fans booed Maccabi Tel Aviv players, waved Palestinian flags, and raised a banner saying 'Show Israel the red card.'
Greek police detained protestors before the match, while Israeli fans were kept behind barriers for safety. Critics, like MP Ayoub Khan, have called on Aston Villa to refuse to play Maccabi in their upcoming clash.
However, lawyers for Israel argue that football clubs should not face blame for war. UEFA has not made a final stand, but past cases, like Russia’s ban, add weight to the debate.
