FC Barcelona has officially declined a request from Israeli basketball club Hapoel Jerusalem to use its Palau Blaugrana training facilities, citing logistical constraints and public order concerns amid rising tensions linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The decision comes ahead of Hapoel Jerusalem’s scheduled EuroCup match against Baxi Manresa on October 15, and has sparked international attention due to the political sensitivities surrounding Israeli sports teams in Europe. A club source confirmed to AFP that the rejection was made to “avoid any problems,” referencing recent protests and heightened security risks associated with Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Barcelona clarified that the Palau Blaugrana would be unavailable due to preparations for a Champions League handball match, and that Baxi Manresa—as hosts—are obligated to provide their own facilities for the visiting team’s training sessions. The club emphasized that the decision was not politically motivated but based on operational priorities and safety protocols.
The move coincides with growing calls from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which has urged European sports bodies to exclude Israeli teams from international competitions. On the same day, Valencia Basket is set to face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague, a match also facing pressure for cancellation.
Spain’s government has taken a strong stance on the conflict, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously labeling Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and advocating for the suspension of Israeli teams from global sporting events. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 67,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its offensive in October 2023, following a Hamas led cross border attack that left 1,219 Israelis dead, mostly civilians.