Patxi Lopez, the spokesperson for the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, admitted they are considering removing their national team from next year’s competition. Israel are third in their UEFA qualifying group and have not qualified for a World Cup since 1970. But next year’s expanded 48-team format, which is up from 32 nations, gives them a chance to end that barren run. Incidentally, a new UN report says there are reasonable grounds to conclude that Israel are currently committing a genocide in Gaza.
Lopez said, via RMC Sport: “We will assess the situation at the right time. What we want is for people to realize that if Israeli teams cannot take part in sporting events or Eurovision, some are starting to open their eyes. Because ours are wide open and do not tolerate what they see, which is why we cannot and will not remain silent.”
FIFA tends to take a firm stance against government intervention in football, and any action is likely to be met with strong consequences. Spain previously threatened to withdraw from Eurovision if Israel took part, and in recent weeks, the prestigious Vuelta a España cycling event was cut short due to pro-Palestine protestors opposing the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team. Whether Spain would go as far as to boycott a World Cup remains to be seen.
Israel are currently level on points in their World Cup qualifying group with Italy but have played a game more. Norway lead Group I with 15 points from a possible 15, with Italy and Israel six points back. Israel’s next match is away to Norway on October 11, before traveling to Italy three days later.
