UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Maccabi Haifa and Raków Częstochowa after supporters of both clubs displayed banners bearing political slogans during their Europa Conference League qualifying tie.
The case follows Thursday’s second leg in Debrecen, Hungary, where a section of Maccabi Haifa fans unfurled a banner reading “Murderers since 1939” in English, a message condemned by Poland’s president Karol Nawrocki as “scandalous” and insulting to Polish victims of the Second World War, including three million Jews. The Israeli Embassy in Warsaw also denounced the display.
UEFA confirmed both clubs have been charged with “transmitting a message not fit for a sports event”, an offence under its disciplinary code that can lead to fines and partial stadium closures at future matches. No timetable has been set for a verdict. Raków won the tie 2–0 on the night and 2–1 on aggregate to progress.
The governing body’s action covers banners displayed in both legs of the tie. In last week’s first match in Poland, Raków supporters showed a banner in Polish accusing Israel of murdering people while the world stayed silent. Thursday’s return was moved to neutral ground in Hungary for security reasons.
Poland’s foreign ministry said it had raised the matter with Israel’s ambassador, who “expressed his utmost outrage” at the content of the Maccabi banner. Poland’s ambassador in Israel was also set to discuss the incident with the Israeli government, with Warsaw stressing bilateral relations “must not, and will not, be undermined by extremists”.
UEFA prohibits overt political messaging inside stadiums at its competitions, but has faced scrutiny over its communications this week. Before Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup in Udine, a fieldside message read: “Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians,” part of a broader campaign by UEFA’s charitable foundation supporting children affected by conflict in countries including Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine. Two Palestinian children who are refugees in Italy from Gaza took part in the post-match medal ceremony. In May’s Champions League final, PSG fans displayed a “Stop Genocide in Gaza” banner; UEFA did not sanction the French club.
The disciplinary panel will now consider sanctions for Maccabi Haifa and Raków Częstochowa. Any penalties would apply to future UEFA fixtures.
