Spain Considers Sanctioning Israel in Sport, Mirroring Russia’s Exclusion
Valladolid, Spain – November 9, 2025 – Amidst escalating protests and heightened political tensions, Spain is reportedly considering sanctions against Israel in the sporting arena, a move that would mirror the international exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. the potential action comes as the Vuelta a España cycling race continues to be disrupted by demonstrations targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team, forcing organizers to shorten stages for security reasons.
The controversy surrounding the Israel-Premier Tech team, founded by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams and featuring only one Israeli rider, has become a focal point of Spain’s increasingly vocal criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Protests have intensified throughout the race, leading to stage modifications in Bilbao and Pontevedra, and a reduction of Thursday’s time trial in valladolid from 27.2 km to 12.2 km. The team has altered its jerseys to remove national identifiers in an attempt to ensure the safety of its cyclists and staff, but demonstrations have persisted.
Spain’s left-leaning government, led by Pedro Sánchez, officially recognized the State of Palestine in May 2024 and recently announced further measures “to end the genocide in Gaza.” This stance reflects growing European concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip, which has been ongoing since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas - designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the USA, and the EU.
International and human rights organizations have accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, a charge vehemently rejected by Israel, which in turn accuses Spain of waging a “continuous anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic campaign.” Allied governments, including Germany, have echoed Israel’s concerns.
The potential sporting sanctions under consideration by Spain are a direct consequence of this escalating diplomatic conflict. The move would align Spain with international precedent set by the widespread ban of Russian athletes and teams from global competitions following the invasion of Ukraine, demonstrating a willingness to leverage sporting isolation as a form of political pressure. The Israel-Premier Tech team intends to complete the Vuelta a España, scheduled to conclude Sunday in Madrid, despite the ongoing unrest.
