31.12.2025 16:20
The fan groups of the Spanish club Barcelona issued a joint statement before the match against the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv, demanding the expulsion of Israeli basketball teams from the EuroLeague.
The Spanish team Barcelona's fan groups have taken action ahead of the EuroLeague match against the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Spanish team's fan groups have demanded the expulsion of Israeli basketball teams from the European League.
STATEMENT FROM BARCELONA FAN GROUPS
In a joint statement released by Barcelona's fan groups regarding the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, which will be played without spectators, it was stated, "Sports should be a field for peace, coexistence, and respect for human rights. It cannot be used to normalize or whitewash state crimes. The fan groups at Palau Blaugrana reject the participation of teams representing Israel while the genocide against the Palestinian people continues and their fundamental rights are violated."
''WE DEMAND THE SUSPENSION OF PARTICIPATION''
Emphasizing that the dignity of life and humanity is more important than any basketball game, it was stated, "The EuroLeague expelled Russian teams from the league immediately after the invasion of Ukraine, but when it comes to the Israeli state, it applies a double standard by placing economic interests and political pressure above the values of sports. 'So-called solutions' such as playing matches without spectators or on neutral grounds are unacceptable. These distort competition, undermine equal conditions, violate the rights of fans, and turn arenas into controlled areas where censorship and unjust restrictions are applied. For all these reasons, the match on January 6 should not be played in any format. We say this clearly and unequivocally: teams representing the Israeli state should be expelled from the EuroLeague. No to violence, no to war, no to genocide. Full support for the Palestinian people, their freedom, and their peace. We demand that the EuroLeague act responsibly and suspend the participation of teams representing Israel until human rights are respected."
WHEN IS THE MATCH?
In the 20th week of the EuroLeague, Barcelona will face Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday, January 6, at Palau Blaugrana.