Amsterdam’s city council has voted to ban Israeli sports club Maccabi Tel Aviv from the Dutch capital, pointing to the club’s fans and their open support for Israel’s actions in Gaza as the main reason. The decision, made on September 23, 2025, comes after violent clashes last year and aims to keep out teams linked to illegal settlements or racist views.
Background on the Ban
The council’s move targets clubs that back unlawful occupations or fail to stop extremist behavior among supporters. Sheher Khan, leader of the left-wing Denk party, led the push for this rule. He said it applies to any team fitting the description, but Maccabi Tel Aviv stands out due to its fans’ chants and actions.
This follows a rough night in November 2024, when Maccabi fans clashed with locals during a Europa League game against Ajax. Reports show fans tore down Palestinian flags, shouted slurs, and mocked Gaza victims. The chaos injured several people and sparked global outrage.
Khan compared it to Russia’s sports ban after its Ukraine invasion in 2022. He argued the Netherlands should treat Israel the same way, especially since Maccabi links to policies under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Details of the Council’s Decision
The vote passed with support from various parties, focusing on safety and ethics in sports. The council plans to write to national groups like the Dutch Football Association and Olympic Committee, asking them to back the ban nationwide.
While the rule seems broad, Khan made clear it’s aimed at Israeli teams like Maccabi and Beitar Jerusalem. These clubs have ties to settlements in occupied areas, which many see as illegal under international law.
One key point is how fans behave. Maccabi supporters have chanted phrases like “no children left in Gaza” during trips abroad. This has led to protests and calls for boycotts in places like Spain and the Netherlands.
The ban does not stop games elsewhere in the country, but Amsterdam won’t host or welcome these teams. Mayor Femke Halsema backed this, saying after the 2024 incident that Maccabi fans are not wanted back.
Impact on Sports and Global Reactions
Sports bodies are now reviewing Israel’s role in events. UEFA is looking at suspending Maccabi Tel Aviv from the Europa League over Gaza links. This mirrors wider scrutiny, like protests at the European Baseball Championship in Rotterdam last weekend.
Around the world, reactions split along lines. Pro-Palestine groups praise the ban as a stand against genocide. They point to ongoing Gaza deaths, with over 65,000 killed and 167,000 wounded since October 2023, mostly women and children.
On the other side, some call it unfair or antisemitic. Israeli officials and supporters say it punishes athletes for politics. Social media buzzes with debates, from X posts calling it a win for justice to others labeling it bias.
- Key sports bans in recent years: Russia’s exclusion from Olympics after Ukraine war; South Africa’s apartheid-era sports isolation.
- Protests at events: Spanish cycling race disrupted by 100,000 demonstrators against an Israeli team.
Broader Context of Gaza Conflict
Israel’s war in Gaza started after Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. It has drawn war crime accusations from groups like the International Criminal Court. Leaders face arrest warrants for alleged genocide.
In sports, this has meant boycotts and demos. For example, the Vuelta a España cycling race saw major disruptions last week due to an Israeli team’s involvement. Spain’s foreign minister even supported calls to drop them.
Amsterdam’s ban fits a trend of cities taking stands. It echoes boycotts during other conflicts, showing how global issues spill into sports arenas.
| Event | Date | Key Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maccabi vs. Ajax Clash | November 2024 | Fans chanted slurs, attacked locals | Injuries, global backlash |
| Amsterdam Council Vote | September 2025 | Ban on clubs with racist ties | Letter to national federations |
| Gaza War Start | October 2023 | Ongoing conflict | Over 65,000 deaths reported |
| Spanish Cycling Protest | September 2025 | 100,000 demonstrators | Calls to exclude Israeli team |
What Happens Next
UEFA and other groups will decide on wider suspensions. Maccabi Tel Aviv keeps playing in leagues for now, but pressure grows. Experts say this could lead to more bans if the Gaza situation drags on.
Fans and activists watch closely. Some hope it pushes for peace talks, while others fear it divides sports further.
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