Switzerland Addresses Potential Player Boycott Ahead of Women's Match vs Israel
The Swiss Football Association stated it will respect any player's decision to boycott the upcoming women's Euro playoff against Israel, amid growing discussions.
Following the tense encounters between the men's national teams of Israel and Ireland, Switzerland is now addressing the possibility of protests ahead of the upcoming match against the Israeli women's national team.
According to a report published today (Monday) in Blick, the Swiss Football Association will respect any player's decision to boycott Friday's match, part of the first round of the 2027 Women's World Cup qualification playoffs. However, at this stage, no player has announced such a decision, and no team-wide boycott has been enacted.
Technical director of the women's national team, former player Johan Djourou, stated during a press conference that the matter will be discussed with the players' representatives. 'We will sit down this evening with the players' council and the national coach,' he noted.
According to the report, the association has issued no guidelines on the matter, and a team spokesperson emphasized the importance of listening to every player. Djourou addressed the possibility of an individual boycott and made it clear that such a decision would be respected. 'The discussion is open. We will talk to the players and listen to them, hear their ideas, and accept them. The players are our top priority,' he said.
At the same time, Djourou emphasized that from his perspective, the focus must remain on football and respecting the opponent. 'I am very disappointed. Every time I see what happens to children and families there, I am very angry. But I don't want us to generalize. I am always against war and for peace. Here, however, sport is in the center, and I have always respected my opponents. I will not close my eyes, but on Friday, sport is the focus and I will respect the Israeli players.'
Switzerland's discussions come against the backdrop of recent matches between Israel and Ireland in the men's UEFA Nations League, where Irish players avoided handshakes with Israelis, wore black armbands, and lowered their heads during the playing of Hatikvah.
The first match against Israel will take place on Friday in Hungary, and the return leg on Tuesday, October 13, in Sion, Switzerland.
