Switzerland Women's Team to Play Israel Without Protest

The Swiss women's national football team will proceed with their match against Israel without any on-field protests. This decision follows days of uncertainty within the team regarding potential demonstrations.

Earlier reports in the Swiss media suggested the players' stance was unclear. Johan Djourou, the technical director for the Swiss women's team and former Arsenal defender, had stated that the possibility of a boycott was "an open discussion." He acknowledged hearing the players' ideas and expressed personal disappointment over the situation involving children and families, stating, "I am very disappointed, every time I see what happens to these children and families there, I get very angry." However, he emphasized that sport should remain the focus and that he would respect the Israeli players.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Swiss captain Noelle Maritz announced that she, along with the team's three other captains, head coach Raphael Navarro, Women's Football Manager Marion Daube, and Djourou, had collectively decided to play the game without protests. Maritz described the discussion as "fruitful" and indicated that points raised would be reviewed with the entire team.

According to Sven Mikosa, spokesperson for the Swiss women's team, the football association insisted that no protests would occur on match day, a condition the players accepted. While individual players are permitted to boycott the match, none have chosen to do so thus far.

The first match between Israel and Switzerland is scheduled for Friday in Hungary, moved to 4:30 PM (16:30) from 7:30 PM (19:30) and will be broadcast live on 5SPORT. The second leg is set for the following Tuesday. The winner will advance to face the victor of the Austria-Kosovo match in late November and early December. Seven of the eight winners from that round will qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup, with the lowest-ranked team entering an international playoff.