\n
There has been an increase in calls to ban Israel from sporting competition since the UN’s report.<\/p>\n
And it comes amid reports that Uefa could vote on whether to suspend Israel next week. Uefa has said that no meeting is currently planned.<\/p>\n
Israel are third in their World Cup qualifying group – organised by Uefa – on nine points, six behind leaders Norway.<\/p>\n
The top team from each group qualifies automatically for the World Cup, with the runners-up going into the play-offs.<\/p>\n
Spanish PM Sanchez said Israel should be treated in the same fashion as Russia by being banned from international sports competitions.<\/p>\n
“Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image,” Sanchez said.<\/p>\n
The Russia national team have been banned from competing in international football tournaments since the country’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n
The Israeli FA declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport, and Fifa has been approached for comment.<\/p>\n
Sanchez’s comments came as the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana was abandoned earlier this month after pro-Palestinian protesters entered part of the course in the centre of Madrid.<\/p>\n
Protesters knocked down barriers and occupied the road at several points on the course including Gran Via, where cyclists were due to pass multiple times.<\/p>\n
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under their national flags at the 2024 Olympics.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, IOC president Kirsty Coventry sidestepped a question about sanctioning Israeli athletes, saying: “The sports movement has to showcase the good that is in humanity.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, supporters of Greek side PAOK displayed Palestinian flags and banners during their side’s Europa League match against Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Fans held signs in English reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card”.<\/p>\n
Chants of “Free Palestine” were also heard after Maccabi supporters unfurled an Israeli flag.<\/p>\n
The displays came after protests earlier in the day in Thessaloniki, where fans and activist groups rallied against Israel’s participation in European football.<\/p>\n
Demonstrators submitted more than 1,900 signatures to Uefa in support of a petition launched this week, which said there could be “no fair play with representatives of genocide”.<\/p>\n
The match had been designated high risk due to the ongoing situation involving Israel and Gaza, with PAOK warning supporters before the match: “The display of banners, messages or flags with political content could result in heavy sanctions for our club.”<\/p>\n
Maccabi face Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Europa League on 6 November.<\/p>\n
Additional reporting by Nikos Papanikolaou, BBC News.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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