Switzerland fencing team turns away from Team Israel on medal podium at European championships
Context:
During the European Fencing Championship in Tallinn, Estonia, a controversial incident occurred when Switzerland's under-23 fencing team turned their backs on the Israeli gold medalists during the medal ceremony as Israel's national anthem played. This act of protest was condemned by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, highlighting ongoing tensions in international sports involving Israeli teams. Israel's fencing team has previously faced similar protests, such as Iraq's withdrawal from a match against them at the World Fencing Championship in Istanbul in 2023. Additionally, FIFA's disciplinary committee was urged by the Palestinian soccer federation to investigate alleged discrimination by the Israeli federation, though no suspension was imposed. The Israeli federation responded to these accusations, emphasizing their adherence to FIFA/UEFA rules and refuting claims of complicity in international law violations and discrimination against Arab players.
Dive Deeper:
At the European Fencing Championship in Tallinn, Switzerland's fencing team protested against Israel by turning away during the medal ceremony while Israel's anthem played, after losing the gold medal match 45–34.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar strongly condemned the protest, reflecting the political and social tensions that often permeate international sports events involving Israeli teams.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of protests against Israeli sports teams, as demonstrated by Iraq's national team withdrawing from a fencing match against Israel in Istanbul in 2023.
The Palestinian soccer federation, PFA, accused the Israeli federation of violating international laws, discriminating against Arab players, and including clubs from Palestinian territories in its league, prompting a review by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
Despite these allegations, FIFA did not suspend Israel, and the Israeli federation criticized the PFA for spreading false accusations, asserting their compliance with international sports regulations.