AMSTERDAM, September 24, 2025 (WAFA) - The Amsterdam City Council has approved a motion to declare certain foreign sports clubs, including Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, unwelcome in the city if they are deemed to contribute to “occupation or racism,” according to Anadolu Agency.
The motion, put forward by Sheher Khan, leader of the Denk party on the council, targets clubs “established in illegal settlements, directly or indirectly contributing to the maintenance of unlawful occupations, or systematically failing to act against extremist and racist expressions among their hardcore.”
The motion was passed by a majority of 42 votes in favor to nine against, and will be forwarded to sports bodies and the Royal Dutch Football Association.
The motion also cited UN reports accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and describing the Strip as an open-air prison, along with the ruling of the International Court of Justice and findings from independent institutions.
It further noted that Israeli clubs, including Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, are known for anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian positions and for engaging in racist practices.
T.R.
