Sports Boycott: Madrid Groups Demand Suspension of Real Madrid-Maccabi Tel Aviv Euroleague Match

Social groups in the Community of Madrid have urged the suspension of the upcoming Euroleague basketball game between Real Madrid and Maccabi Tel Aviv, citing sport’s complicity in normalizing a state investigated for genocide. The match, scheduled for next Thursday at the Movistar Arena, will now be played behind closed doors for security reasons.

The Regional Federation of Neighborhood Associations of Madrid (FRAVM) led the call, backed by 250 entities including Palestinian solidarity groups, neighborhood platforms, environmentalists, unions, and left-wing political parties. They argue that allowing Israeli teams to compete in international sports events aids Israel’s agenda of occupation, apartheid, and extermination.

Madrid Follows Barcelona’s Precedent

Similar pressure led to Barcelona’s upcoming game against Maccabi Tel Aviv being moved behind closed doors. Madrid’s advocates highlight that social mobilizations can halt normalization and force institutions to react. The recent La Vuelta stage in Madrid saw protests denouncing sport’s political use.

Neutrality in Sport Challenged

Signatory groups stress that sport cannot remain neutral in the face of international crimes and that allowing the game represents complicity. They demand administrative and political measures to prevent the match and call for citizen mobilizations on Thursday at the sports venue.

Madrid’s Consciousness and Solidarity

Madrid’s growing political awareness and solidarity with Palestine, evident in recent mobilizations like during La Vuelta, contrasts with Israel’s continued impunity. The lek group demands that institutions act against sport contributing to genocidal normalization and prevent the game, labeling it incompatible with human rights commitments.

Mobilization Call: January 8, Movistar Arena

The signatories urge organizations and the Madrid popular movement to support the declaration and attend the mobilization on January 8, with the motto: “For Genocide, Israel out of Basketball.” They emphasize that public pressure works and call for broad support and massive mobilization to reject this match and any complicity with the Palestinian people’s genocide.

We do not accept the presence in our cities of teams that represent a State responsible for crimes of genocide. — Madrid social, union, and political groups

FAQ

Why are these groups protesting the basketball game?

They argue that allowing Israeli teams to compete in international sports events aids Israel’s agenda of occupation, apartheid, and extermination, and normalizes a state investigated for genocide.

What happened with Barcelona’s game against Maccabi Tel Aviv?

The match was moved behind closed doors due to similar pressure from social entities.

Pro Tip

Want to support the cause? Engage with local initiatives, raise awareness, and attend solidarity events in your community.

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