Support for Spain in World Cup fueled by anti-Israel sentiment, not football

A recent commentary suggests that the fervor surrounding the Spanish football team's World Cup campaign is less about the sport itself and more about a deep-seated animosity towards Israel, a nation not even participating in the tournament. The argument posits that Spain is being championed not for its athletic prowess, but for its perceived leadership in condemning the state of Israel.

This perspective, attributed to Turkish-Swedish journalist Mustafa Can in Aftenposten, is critically examined. The article points out that Can omits Spain's own complex and often troubling history with antisemitism. This history includes the forced conversion or expulsion of over 300,000 Spanish Jews, the Alhambra Decree of 1492, and the fact that Spain was Europe's longest-standing fascist state until 1975. These historical elements, the commentary suggests, provide fertile ground for contemporary anti-Israeli sentiments and rhetoric.

The article contends that while there may be valid reasons to support the Spanish team, using the World Cup as a platform to express hatred towards Israel is misguided. It highlights that Spain's current political actions, such as anti-Israeli resolutions and the use of anti-Jewish slogans, are presented as part of its 'best in class' approach to condemning Israel, rather than genuine sporting enthusiasm.

Ultimately, the piece argues against conflating sporting support with political agendas, particularly when those agendas are rooted in historical grievances or contemporary geopolitical conflicts. It suggests that the focus should remain on the game itself, rather than allowing it to become a proxy for expressing animosity towards nations like Israel.