Spain calls for Israel, Russia’s suspension from international sports

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly advocated for the exclusion of both Israel and Russia from international sports competitions, citing grave concerns over human rights violations and breaches of international law.

“Our position is clear and firm. Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should take part in any more international competitions,” Sánchez declared during a press conference, making one of the strongest statements to date by a European leader on the issue, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

¿Por qué se expulsó a Rusia tras la invasión de Ucrania y no se expulsa Israel tras la invasión de Gaza?

Nuestra posición es clara y rotunda: hasta que no cese la barbarie, ni Rusia ni Israel deben estar en ninguna competición internacional más. pic.twitter.com/QlXsnWVKs5

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) September 15, 2025

Sánchez criticized the apparent double standard applied to international sporting sanctions, pointing to the widespread bans placed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, while Israel continues to participate in global competitions despite its ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

"Why was Russia expelled after the invasion of Ukraine and Israel is not expelled after the invasion of Gaza?" he asked pointedly, urging international sports organizations to reconsider their ethical stance. “Is it ethical for Israel to continue participating in international competitions?” he added.

The Prime Minister also underscored that his position reflects a broader sentiment across Spain, irrespective of political affiliation. “The vast majority of Spanish citizens, regardless of how they vote, share the same position grounded in common sense,” he said.

Sánchez’s remarks followed the disruption of the final stage of La Vuelta, Spain’s premier cycling event, on September 14. The race was halted approximately 57 kilometres from the finish line in Madrid after pro-Palestinian protesters blocked key sections of the route, calling attention to the war in Gaza.

Reflecting on the incident, Sánchez voiced solidarity both with Spanish athletes and with civil society activists engaged in peaceful protest. “We feel, as I said yesterday, deep admiration and respect for our athletes (...) We also feel immense respect and deep admiration for a Spanish civil society that mobilizes against injustice and defends its ideas peacefully,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva