Spanish Minister Calls for Ban on Israeli Teams from Sports
Pilar Alegria suggests that Israeli teams should face similar restrictions as Russian sides did in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, citing what she describes as a 'double standard'.
BARCELONA: Spanish sports minister Pilar Alegria stated on Wednesday night that Israeli teams should be prohibited from participating in sports events akin to how Russian teams were barred in 2022 after the country's invasion of Ukraine.
Her remarks come amid significant protests in Spain, where the government has characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as 'a genocide.'
The controversy centers around the presence of Israel-Premier Tech, a privately-owned Israeli-Canadian team led by billionaire Sylvan Adams, at the Vuelta a España cycling tour.
Despite fervent protests and calls for withdrawal, the team remains in the competition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised their decision to continue participating.
Alegria expressed her confusion over what she sees as a 'double standard.' She argues that given the severe situation in Gaza, international sports governing bodies should take a similar stance as they did with Russia in 2022, where Russian teams were either excluded or participated under a neutral flag without national anthems.
Alegria suggested that she would prefer Vuelta organizers to prevent Israel-Premier Tech from racing but acknowledged that any decision on this matter would ultimately rest with the UCI, the governing body of cycling.
The protests have already led to disruptions during stages 11 and 16 of the Vuelta, which were shortened due to demonstrations.
Stage 18's time trial has also been curtailed for security reasons.
Alegria hopes that the race can still be completed, with Sunday's final stage in Madrid expected to see further protests.
The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of the socialist party, has taken a strong pro-Palestinian stance, which has strained relations with Israel.
Alegria highlighted the severity of the situation in Gaza, stating that over 60,000 people, including children and babies, have been affected by starvation and the destruction of hospitals.
She emphasized that under these circumstances, sports should at least take a stance similar to what was taken against Russia.
Her remarks come amid significant protests in Spain, where the government has characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as 'a genocide.'
The controversy centers around the presence of Israel-Premier Tech, a privately-owned Israeli-Canadian team led by billionaire Sylvan Adams, at the Vuelta a España cycling tour.
Despite fervent protests and calls for withdrawal, the team remains in the competition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised their decision to continue participating.
Alegria expressed her confusion over what she sees as a 'double standard.' She argues that given the severe situation in Gaza, international sports governing bodies should take a similar stance as they did with Russia in 2022, where Russian teams were either excluded or participated under a neutral flag without national anthems.
Alegria suggested that she would prefer Vuelta organizers to prevent Israel-Premier Tech from racing but acknowledged that any decision on this matter would ultimately rest with the UCI, the governing body of cycling.
The protests have already led to disruptions during stages 11 and 16 of the Vuelta, which were shortened due to demonstrations.
Stage 18's time trial has also been curtailed for security reasons.
Alegria hopes that the race can still be completed, with Sunday's final stage in Madrid expected to see further protests.
The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of the socialist party, has taken a strong pro-Palestinian stance, which has strained relations with Israel.
Alegria highlighted the severity of the situation in Gaza, stating that over 60,000 people, including children and babies, have been affected by starvation and the destruction of hospitals.
She emphasized that under these circumstances, sports should at least take a stance similar to what was taken against Russia.
