Israeli Football Walking a Thin Line
Givat Haviva’s “Kick It Out” conference returns for the second time, against the backdrop of one of the most violent, toxic, and charged seasons that Israeli football has ever known. The conference will address the burning social issues that threaten the spirit of sport – racism, violence, homophobia – along with the ongoing difficulty in dealing with these phenomena ethically, publicly, and in the Knesset.
The conference will bring together a variety of perspectives from the world of football, from the stands to the Knesset: players (active and former), referees, professionals, club representatives, the Football Association, fans and elected officials, with the aim of jointly devising new and effective courses of action for the upcoming season.
Last year’s discussion drew sharp conclusions: Soccer in Israel still serves as a space for connection, even in difficult times of war, but at the same time it has become a platform for incitement and a destructive influence. A law prohibiting expressions of racism exists and even includes a penalty of up to two years in prison, but is not enforced. Many recommendations, including imposing personal sanctions, appointing a designated judge for sports matters, adjusting game times for families, improving accessibility, and using advanced technologies – have remained on the discussion table only.
Register now
The question at the heart of the conference:
If these patterns are ongoing – what can bring about real change this year?
The conference will take place on Monday, September 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, at Givat Haviva.
More details coming soon.
