The recent violence against fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam has raised concerns among Israelis regarding the safety of their sports teams and fans when traveling abroad. Some Palestinians are advocating for a complete ban on Israeli sports teams due to Israel's conduct during the war with Hamas.
Despite the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Israeli soccer teams continue to play domestic games at home. However, UEFA has prohibited Israel from hosting international games in light of the war. This decision has led Israeli teams to play their home matches in Hungary, Serbia, and Cyprus.
Israel's national team has been playing its home matches in Budapest, Hungary, while Maccabi Tel Aviv has been competing in Hungary and Serbia for their European club soccer competitions.
Concerns over safety have prompted changes in venue locations for upcoming matches. The Israeli national team's next away game in men’s soccer is scheduled to take place in Paris, France, with increased security measures in place to ensure the safety of fans and players.
Anti-Israel sentiments have been evident at various sports events across Europe, with incidents of jeering, protests, and threats directed towards Israeli athletes. Some games have been marred by protests, such as fans waving Palestinian flags, turning their backs during the national anthem, and disruptive actions by protesters.
The Palestinian soccer federation has been actively seeking to have Israel suspended from international soccer competitions, citing alleged human rights violations and discrimination. While FIFA has not suspended Israel, it has initiated a disciplinary investigation into the matter.
Comparisons have been drawn between the situation involving Israel and Russia, with Russia facing a ban from FIFA ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs due to potential chaos if opponents refused to play against them. However, Israel, a member of UEFA for 30 years, has not faced similar refusals from European federations.
As discussions continue regarding the participation of Israeli teams in international competitions, the draw for European qualifying groups for the 2026 World Cup is set to take place in Zurich on December 13. The upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see Israel's men's team in the draw for qualification.
