Spain May Withdraw from World Cup if Israel Qualifies
According too the English section of webangah news Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Al Mayadeen network, the Spanish government stated that its national football team might withdraw from the final stage of the 2026 World Cup if Israel secures a spot in the competition.
In this context, Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister, expressed strong support on Monday, September 15, for Spanish citizens protesting in solidarity with Palestine.These protests led to the cancellation of the final stage of Spain’s Vuelta cycling race in Madrid.
Díaz added that Spanish society rejects normalizing genocide in Gaza through sports and cultural events and asserted that Israel should not be allowed to participate in any such activities.
The Vuelta race was halted on Sunday afternoon as cyclists entered Madrid amidst clashes between police and pro-Palestinian protesters.
The final stage was canceled following these confrontations. Protesters opposed Israel’s presence due to ongoing crimes by israeli forces against Palestinians and demanded an end to these events.
Local RTVE broadcasts showed protesters removing metal barriers and gathering at several points along the race route while chanting slogans condemning Israeli actions.
Anticipating large protests, over one thousand police officers were deployed as cyclists approached the concluding leg of this 21-day event in Madrid today.
Reports indicated approximately 100,000 Spaniards took part in demonstrations. Spanish police attempted forceful dispersal but failed to contain demonstrators supporting oppressed Palestinians.
