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Spain calls for Israel, Russia to be banned from international sports competitions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 8:11 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
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Spain Urges International Sports Bodies to Ban Israel and Russia from Competition

Singapore – 15 September 2025 – In a sweeping statement that has reverberated across the world of athletics, the Spanish government has called for Israel and Russia to be prohibited from participating in all international sports competitions. The move, announced by Minister of Sports Juan Carlos Gutiérrez at a press conference in Madrid, is framed as a “civic responsibility” amid the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.

A Dual‑Targeted Call Amid Two Wars

The minister’s remarks came on the heels of the most recent escalations in two theatres of war. In the east, Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine remains a stark violation of international law, with the United Nations reporting thousands of casualties and widespread displacement. In the west, the Israeli‑Hamas conflict has intensified, resulting in heavy civilian casualties in Gaza and raising global alarm over alleged war crimes.

“Sport is not a sanctuary from the realities of our world,” Gutiérrez said. “It is a mirror that reflects our shared humanity. When nations wage war against each other, the world must remember that the arena is no longer a safe space for those who perpetrate violence.” He further emphasized that the Spanish government is willing to collaborate with international federations to implement measures that would see Israel and Russia excluded from the 2025 World Athletics Championships, the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, and other major events.

The Spanish Olympic Committee Joins the Plea

A key source of the press release was the Spanish Olympic Committee (Comité Olímpico Español), which has a history of advocating for political neutrality in sports but has increasingly moved toward a stance that considers humanitarian crises. In a statement issued on the same day, the committee’s president, María López, echoed the minister’s sentiments, calling the ban a “necessary condemnation of the suffering inflicted by both Russia and Israel on civilian populations.”

The committee added that Spanish athletes would not be sent to events hosted in Moscow or Tel Aviv until further notice, and that Spanish officials would seek the endorsement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure that any ban is applied fairly and transparently.

A Growing Trend of Political Pressure on Sporting Bodies

Spain is not alone in its demands. In 2023, the European Sports Confederation released a position paper urging member associations to suspend Russia from competitions. Likewise, several national football associations—most notably the UK’s FA and Germany’s DFB—have called for restrictions on Israeli teams following reports of the Israeli Defense Forces’ actions in Gaza.

The IOC, however, has historically resisted direct political interference, citing its constitution’s emphasis on the separation of sport from politics. Nevertheless, it has issued statements condemning the war in Ukraine and expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza. In 2024, the IOC announced it would review its policies on hosting rights in conflict zones.

Potential Repercussions for International Sports

If Spain’s call gains traction, it could lead to a cascade of actions by other national Olympic committees and international federations. In the immediate term, the World Athletics governing body might reassess the venue selection for its 2025 Championships, currently slated for Istanbul. Meanwhile, FIFA’s Women’s World Cup qualifiers could see Israel’s withdrawal from the African and Asian confederations if the call is adopted.

There is also the question of enforcement. While the IOC could issue a “de‑registration” notice, national governing bodies would need to enact domestic laws to prevent athletes from competing under foreign flags. Spain’s own legal framework includes provisions that allow the government to withdraw its athletes from competitions that contravene international norms.

Reactions From the International Community

The statement was met with a mixed response. Israel’s ambassador to Spain, Eli Goldstein, condemned the call as “unfair and politically motivated,” insisting that Israeli athletes are “innocent participants” in the sporting world. Russia’s deputy sports minister, Yevgeny Pavel, likewise denounced the proposed ban, citing “the right of any nation to compete in sports as a peaceful expression of cultural identity.”

Conversely, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, praised Spain’s stance as a “bold step toward aligning sport with human rights.” She urged other nations to consider similar measures and emphasized the importance of using sport as a platform for peace and dialogue.

Looking Ahead

The Spanish call arrives at a time when sports diplomacy is increasingly intertwined with global politics. Whether the IOC will adopt the ban remains uncertain, but the conversation it has sparked could reshape how sporting bodies confront the ethical dimensions of international conflict. As the world watches, athletes, fans, and policymakers alike grapple with the question: can the universal language of sport transcend the borders of war, or must it take a stand when those borders are crossed with violence?

For Spain, the decision underscores its growing willingness to let the government’s moral compass guide its sporting policy. Whether this translates into concrete bans or merely raises awareness, the impact on the international sporting landscape will be felt for years to come.