Swiss Women's Team Considers Boycotting Match Against Israel
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The Swiss women's national football team is contemplating boycotting their upcoming match against Israel in the Nations League. Some players are pushing for the boycott, while the team's technical director, Johan Djourou, acknowledged the discussion is open but also stressed respect for opponents. This follows a similar, ultimately abandoned, boycott attempt by the Irish team, which reportedly feared UEFA sanctions. The Swiss federation is assessing potential penalties.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Swiss women's team players are pressuring their federation to boycott the upcoming match against Israel.
- Technical Director Johan Djourou confirmed the boycott discussion is open but also spoke of respecting opponents.
- The Swiss team's consideration follows a similar, last-minute abandoned boycott attempt by the Irish team.
- UEFA sanctions and a technical loss are potential consequences for a Swiss boycott.
- The Irish team reportedly backed down due to fears of sanctions and impact on hosting Euro 2028.
The Swiss women's national football team is seriously considering boycotting their upcoming Nations League match against Israel, following a similar attempt by the Irish team. Some players on the Swiss squad are pressuring the federation not to participate in the game. The Swiss Football Association is reportedly investigating potential sanctions from UEFA if the team follows through with a boycott.
Johan Djourou, the team's technical director and former Arsenal defender, confirmed that the discussion about a boycott is ongoing. "The discussion about a boycott is open," he stated, adding that the team would meet with the players and coach to listen to their perspectives. Djourou expressed personal disappointment with the situation involving children and families, stating, "I am very disappointed, every time I see what is happening to these children and families there, I get very angry." However, he also emphasized his respect for opponents in sports, saying, "Sport is at the center, and I have always respected my opponents. I will not close my eyes, but on Friday, sport will be at the center and I will respect the players of Israel."
Djourou's seemingly contradictory stance, supporting the boycott discussion while also speaking of respecting opponents, has drawn criticism. The Swiss situation mirrors an earlier effort by the Irish team to boycott the match against Israel. The Irish ultimately decided against the boycott at the last minute, reportedly realizing that such a move would lead to severe sanctions and negatively impact their hosting of Euro 2028.
Attention is now focused on Lucerne to see if the Swiss will proceed with the boycott, potentially facing a technical loss and heavy penalties from UEFA, or if they will ultimately play the match.
