Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv has been sanctioned by UEFA following incidents of racist chanting by its supporters during a European match.
UEFA's Disciplinary Action
The governing body for European football confirmed that its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has imposed a €20,000 (approximately £17,550) fine on the club. The charge relates to the conduct of Maccabi fans during an away Europa League fixture against German side VfB Stuttgart on December 11, 2025.
In addition to the financial penalty, UEFA has handed down a suspended one-match ban preventing Maccabi from selling tickets to their travelling supporters for their next UEFA competition away match. This ban is suspended for a probationary period of two years. It is understood the sanctions were issued in response to anti-Arab chanting identified among the club's fanbase.
Previous Fan Exclusion at Villa Park
This latest disciplinary action follows a separate and highly contentious decision earlier this season that barred Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending a match in England. For safety reasons, the club's fans were excluded from the Europa League tie against Aston Villa at Villa Park on November 6.
That decision was made by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which stated it acted on advice from West Midlands Police. The move sparked significant political backlash within the UK.
Political Fallout and Scrutiny
Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly criticised the Villa Park exclusion, labelling it as 'wrong'. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy subsequently called for a police review of the decision.
The controversy led to police chiefs being summoned to provide evidence before the Home Affairs Committee of MPs on December 1. Committee chair Karen Bradley has since requested further information from the police, the SAG, and the UK Football Policing Unit via formal letters.
The suspended nature of the UEFA away fan ban means Maccabi Tel Aviv will face an immediate one-match exclusion for their travelling supporters if any further similar incidents occur within the next two years.
