Switzerland to Play Israel Without Protest, Ending Pre-Match Drama

The Swiss Women's National Team will proceed with their upcoming match against Israel without any on-field protests, concluding days of uncertainty. The decision was announced following discussions among team leadership and players.

Johan Djourou, the Technical Director for the Swiss women's team, had previously acknowledged the possibility of players boycotting the match, stating it was an "open discussion" and that the team would listen to the players' ideas. Djourou expressed personal disappointment with the ongoing conflict, saying, "Every time I see what is happening to these children and families there, I get very angry. But I don't want to generalize now. I am always against war and for peace." However, he emphasized that "sport is the focus here, and I have always respected my opponents. I will not close my eyes, but on Friday, sport will be the focus and I will respect the players of Israel."

At a press conference on Wednesday, Switzerland's captain Noelle Maritz confirmed that she, along with the team's three other captains, coach Raphael Navarro, Marion Daube, head of women's football at the association, and Djourou, collectively decided to play the match without protests. Maritz described the discussion as "productive" and noted that points raised would be reviewed with the entire team.

According to Sven Mikkola, spokesperson for the Swiss women's team, the association insisted that no protests occur on game day, a condition the players accepted. It was also stated that individual players are permitted to boycott the game, but none have chosen to do so thus far.

The first match will be hosted by Israel in Hungary on Friday, with the kickoff moved from 7:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The second leg is scheduled for the following Tuesday. The winner will advance to face the victor of the Austria-Kosovo match in late November or early December. Seven of the eight winners from the next round will automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup, while the lowest-ranked winner will enter an international playoff.