Israel’s place in international sporting competitions w/ Socio-Cultural Teaching Fellow in Physical Education, Sport and Exercise sciences at The University of Otago, Sebastian Potgieter: 26 August, 2024

The International court of justice has found Israel guilty of implementing discriminatory racial segregation between Palestinians and Israelis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This year, Russia and Belarus were banned from the Olympics as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite this International Court of Justice decision Israel didn’t receive the same consequence. 

This sparked backlash and questions surrounding Israel's participation in future international sporting events. 

Currently, FIFA is set to make a decision on whether Israel will be allowed to compete in international football by the end of this month. 

Producer Evie spoke to Socio-Cultural Teaching Fellow in Physical Education, Sport and Exercise sciences at The University of Otago, Sebastian Potgieter about what he expects from this decision. As well as why Israel was allowed to compete in the Olympics - and why their participation in sporting events has such a big political impact.