Major Jewish organisations have issued a stark warning to European football's governing body, stating that its decision to ban fans of an Israeli club from attending a match could be widely interpreted as an act of antisemitism.
The Controversial UEFA Ruling
The dispute centres on a forthcoming UEFA Europa Conference League play-off match. Maccabi Tel Aviv is scheduled to face Belgian side K.V. Mechelen on February 19, 2026, at Mechelen's stadium. Citing undisclosed security concerns, local authorities in Belgium, with approval from UEFA, have prohibited any supporters of the Israeli club from entering the venue.
This blanket ban has triggered immediate and forceful condemnation from prominent Jewish groups. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council have jointly expressed their profound alarm. In a strongly-worded communication to UEFA, they argued that the ruling singles out Jewish football fans based solely on their nationality and support for an Israeli team, a move they deem discriminatory.
Security Concerns Versus Discrimination
While Belgian police have referenced a heightened terror threat level as justification for the extraordinary measure, Jewish leaders contend the approach is fundamentally flawed. They stress that security assessments should focus on individual risk and behaviour, not on a collective identity.
The groups highlighted a worrying precedent, pointing out that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have attended European away matches safely since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. They successfully travelled to matches in Cyprus and the Czech Republic without major incident, facilitated by coordinated security plans. This, they argue, proves that effective security is possible without imposing blanket bans.
"The decision to ban all Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the match in Mechelen is disproportionate and fails to distinguish between legitimate security concerns and discrimination," a spokesperson stated.
Broader Implications for Football and Community
The controversy touches on deep-seated fears within European Jewish communities. There is a growing sentiment that Jewish individuals and symbols are being unfairly targeted amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The football ban is seen as a manifestation of this troubling trend, potentially legitimising the exclusion of Jews from public spaces and events.
UEFA, which promotes campaigns against racism and discrimination, now faces a significant test of its principles. The governing body has confirmed it is in dialogue with all relevant stakeholders but has upheld the local authorities' decision based on the provided security reports.
This incident raises critical questions about the balance between security and civil liberties in sport. Jewish advocates are urging UEFA to reconsider, advocating for a tailored security solution that protects everyone while upholding the right of fans to support their team. The outcome could set a crucial precedent for how European football handles similar situations in future.
