HRF: The Ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Is a Normal and Justified Decision in Light of Their Record of Violence

Soldier boasting with a Maccabi Tel Aviv flag and the destruction of Gaza

Brussels, October 17, 2025

The Hind Rajab Foundation welcomes the decision by British authorities to restrict the attendance of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters at the upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa. This decision is both normal and necessary given the documented record of violent, racist, and extremist behaviour by sections of these supporters in previous international fixtures, most notably in Amsterdam in 2024.

Our recently published report, Game Over Israel: Sports Culture as a Cog in Genocide, provided detailed evidence of how Israeli football culture — including fan groups, club affiliations, and sporting institutions — has become deeply intertwined with militarism, incitement, and the glorification of war crimes. The report, shared with UEFA, FIFA, and national authorities, was also communicated by our partners at Game Over Israel to local police and security bodies in the UK.

It is therefore unsurprising that the Safety Advisory Group and West Midlands Police cited the same concerns reflected in our findings when assessing the risks associated with this match. The so-called “security threat” identified by the authorities arises primarily from the behaviour of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s own supporters, not from those advocating for accountability and justice.

What is truly regrettable is not the ban itself — which is a reasonable preventive measure — but rather the failure of UEFA and FIFA to apply their own standards consistently. While Russia and Russian clubs were swiftly banned from international competition following the invasion of Ukraine, Israel continues to enjoy full participation in world football despite its ongoing genocide in Gaza and its open use of sport as a tool of propaganda and militarisation.

This double standard undermines the moral credibility of international football governance and erodes public trust in the claim that sport stands for equality and human dignity.

The Hind Rajab Foundation reiterates its call on UEFA and FIFA to immediately suspend Israel and all its clubs from international competition until it complies with international law and ends its systematic crimes against the Palestinian people.