Football Leagues Administration Bans Political Activity Ahead of Elections
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The Football Leagues Administration, led by Chairman Erez Kalfon, has banned all political campaigning by professional football clubs and their representatives ahead of the Knesset elections. The directive prohibits any political involvement, including advertising within stadiums and interactions with politicians. Clubs must ensure their personnel and advertising spaces are not used for electioneering, adhering to international football regulations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Football Leagues Administration bans all political campaigning by clubs before elections.
- Chairman Erez Kalfon sent a letter detailing the prohibition to professional clubs.
- The ban includes political activity both on and off the field.
- Political advertising within stadiums is also strictly forbidden.
- Clubs must ensure their personnel and advertising spaces are not used for campaigning.
The Football Leagues Administration has issued a sweeping ban on political activity by professional clubs and their representatives ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. In a letter sent to the clubs, Chairman Erez Kalfon clarified that any involvement in election campaigning is strictly prohibited, including actions taken off the field.
Kalfon emphasized that the ban covers a wide range of activities, such as club representatives visiting candidates, taking joint photos with politicians, and any use of club facilities like locker rooms or the field for political purposes. The prohibition also extends to any political advertising within stadium grounds, including fixed or temporary signage, banners, flags, distribution of campaign materials, LED screens, electronic boards, digital advertising, and public address systems.
The administration stressed that this directive aligns with regulations from FIFA, UEFA, and the Israel Football Association, which forbid political involvement by football clubs. Kalfon warned of the potential damage that politicizing football could inflict on the sport in Israel, both on and off the field.
Clubs are responsible for ensuring that all affiliated parties and those utilizing their advertising spaces do not exploit them for electioneering. The clubs were instructed to disseminate these guidelines to all relevant personnel within their organizations.
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