Iran Calls on Spain to Lead Effort to Suspend ‘israel’ from Global Sports Events
Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth has called on Spain to actively participate in forming an international agreement to suspend Israel from global sports activities, citing what he referred to as the regime’s "blatant anti-human actions."
Ahmad Donyamali has reached out to Spain’s Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, Pilar Alegría, urging Spain to leverage its historical values and significant influence to foster a consensus for suspension.
The letter praised Spanish sports as a worldwide “symbol of solidarity, courage, and mutual respect,” noting its “unmatched role in fostering human values.”
The Iranian minister criticized Israel’s participation in international sports events, labeling it as a significant violator of international law. This presence, he argued, undermines the credibility of the global values that sports aim to uphold.
“Over the decades, this regime has revealed its true nature to the international community through overtly anti-human actions, such as the occupation of territories, the enactment of discriminatory policies, and ongoing human rights violations,” he stated.
Donyamali issued a warning about the current circumstances, stating that the situation transforms sports, intended as a universal language for international unity, into an instrument that legitimizes a regime rooted in discrimination and apartheid.
Donyamali drew a direct comparison to the historic sports boycott against South Africa’s apartheid, highlighting the crucial role the international sports community must take in addressing discriminatory actions. He emphasized that the current era demands “the same determination and solidarity” as seen in the past.
The Iranian minister emphasized Spain’s advantageous standing within the European Union and the broader international community. The proposal suggests that Spain’s ministry spearhead an official initiative alongside other European countries in international sports forums to advocate for the suspension of Israel.
Donyamali voiced assurance that Spain, recognized as a prominent nation in the realm of sports, would underscore the importance of justice, ethics, and adherence to international law within sporting contexts.
In May, Alegría declared that in collaboration with the European Union, her country is ready to initiate talks about barring “Israel” from participating in all sports activities, spanning both continental and global tournaments.
Israel’s intense military offensive, coupled with an almost complete blockade, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 68,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC alleges the pair are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is confronting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its military actions in the blockaded coastal region.
