Spain's Sanchez calls for Israel sports ban as cycling authorities slam Vuelta chaos
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday said Israel should be banned from international sport over the Gaza war, just like Russia was penalised over its invasion of Ukraine. His call came as cycling’s governing body condemned mass protests that disrupted the Vuelta race, warning that the chaos "could call into question Spain's ability to host major international sporting events".
Issued on: 15/09/2025 -
By: FRANCE 24
Video by: Emerald MAXWELL
'Shame for Spain'
Around 100,000 protestors gathered for Sunday's final stage of the Vuelta which was cut short around 60 kilometres (40 miles) from the finish in central Madrid. There were some clashes with police.
Protesters denounced the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team, privately owned by Israeli-Canadian property developer Sylvan Adams.
On Sunday protesters pushed over barriers and stood in the road where cyclists were due to pass. Police initially intervened at one point on the route, but ultimately allowed protesters to occupy the road peacefully.
Tour de France doubts
Javier Guillen, director of the Vuelta race, told a news conference on Monday the disruptions were "absolutely unacceptable. I regret the image it gave (to the world) and it should not be repeated."
Cycling's global governing body (UCI) on Monday said it "regretted" the Spanish government's support for the demonstrations, which "could call into question Spain's ability to host major international sporting events".
The disruptions raised questions about possible changes to the 2026 Tour de France, scheduled to start in Barcelona.
"It's obvious that since this Vuelta, international organisations will have to take decisions," Guillen said.
"I hope it's all sorted (by the Tour de France) and the conflict in Gaza has finished, not just for sport but for humanitarian reasons."
Arms contract cancelled
The war was sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.
Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed at least 64,905 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
The Spanish measures announced last week over Gaza included a ban on military equipment sales or purchases with Israel.
The cancelled arms contract revealed Monday was awarded to a consortium of Spanish companies and involved the purchase of 12 SILAM rocket launcher systems derived from the PULS platform made by Israeli firm Elbit Systems, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance.
Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said Monday that Spain should boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part, joining other European nations threatening to pull out.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Issued on: 15/09/2025 -
By: FRANCE 24
Video by: Emerald MAXWELL
Pro-Palestinian protesters invade the course of the 21st and final stage of the Vuelta in Madrid on September 14, 2025. © Guillermo Martinez, Reuters
02:14
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Monday for Israel to be barred from international sport over the Gaza war, as it emerged his government had also cancelled an $825 million military contract with the country.
Sanchez expressed "deep admiration" for thousands of protesters who forced the halt of the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana, one of the world's biggest cycling races, in Spain on Sunday.
He said Israel should be penalised just as Russia was over its invasion of Ukraine – angering Israel, which had a team in the race, as well as Spanish conservatives.
“Our position is clear and categorical: as long as the barbarity continues, neither Russia nor Israel should participate in any international competition," said Sanchez.
The Spanish leader has become one of Europe's fiercest critics of Israel's actions in Gaza, where the UN says Palestinians face starvation.
Read moreIn a divided Europe, Spain emerges as a champion of Palestinian statehood
"Sports organizations should ask themselves whether it's ethical for Israel to continue competing internationally," said Sanchez.
"Why was Russia expelled after invading Ukraine, yet Israel faces no expulsion after invading Gaza?"
An official document seen Monday by AFP meanwhile showed the Spanish government had cancelled a contract worth nearly 700 million euros ($825 million) for Israeli-designed rocket launchers.
Last week Sanchez's government announced measures aimed at stopping what it called "the genocide in Gaza".
02:14
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Monday for Israel to be barred from international sport over the Gaza war, as it emerged his government had also cancelled an $825 million military contract with the country.
Sanchez expressed "deep admiration" for thousands of protesters who forced the halt of the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana, one of the world's biggest cycling races, in Spain on Sunday.
He said Israel should be penalised just as Russia was over its invasion of Ukraine – angering Israel, which had a team in the race, as well as Spanish conservatives.
“Our position is clear and categorical: as long as the barbarity continues, neither Russia nor Israel should participate in any international competition," said Sanchez.
The Spanish leader has become one of Europe's fiercest critics of Israel's actions in Gaza, where the UN says Palestinians face starvation.
Read moreIn a divided Europe, Spain emerges as a champion of Palestinian statehood
"Sports organizations should ask themselves whether it's ethical for Israel to continue competing internationally," said Sanchez.
"Why was Russia expelled after invading Ukraine, yet Israel faces no expulsion after invading Gaza?"
An official document seen Monday by AFP meanwhile showed the Spanish government had cancelled a contract worth nearly 700 million euros ($825 million) for Israeli-designed rocket launchers.
Last week Sanchez's government announced measures aimed at stopping what it called "the genocide in Gaza".
'Shame for Spain'
Around 100,000 protestors gathered for Sunday's final stage of the Vuelta which was cut short around 60 kilometres (40 miles) from the finish in central Madrid. There were some clashes with police.
Protesters denounced the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team, privately owned by Israeli-Canadian property developer Sylvan Adams.
On Sunday protesters pushed over barriers and stood in the road where cyclists were due to pass. Police initially intervened at one point on the route, but ultimately allowed protesters to occupy the road peacefully.
Protesters block the road in an attempt to disrupt the final stage of the Vuelta on September 14, 2025. © Manu Fernandez, AP
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Sunday accused Sanchez of "encouraging protesters to take to the streets", calling his government a "shame for Spain".
His comments mirrored criticism from Spain's conservative opposition Popular Party (PP).
"The government has allowed and induced the non-completion of the Vuelta and, in this way, an international embarrassment televised worldwide," PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo wrote on X.
Spain's Federation of Jewish Communities (FCJE) condemned what it called the justification of violence in the protests and the spreading of hostility toward the country's roughly 45,000 Jews.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Sunday accused Sanchez of "encouraging protesters to take to the streets", calling his government a "shame for Spain".
His comments mirrored criticism from Spain's conservative opposition Popular Party (PP).
"The government has allowed and induced the non-completion of the Vuelta and, in this way, an international embarrassment televised worldwide," PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo wrote on X.
Spain's Federation of Jewish Communities (FCJE) condemned what it called the justification of violence in the protests and the spreading of hostility toward the country's roughly 45,000 Jews.
Tour de France doubts
Javier Guillen, director of the Vuelta race, told a news conference on Monday the disruptions were "absolutely unacceptable. I regret the image it gave (to the world) and it should not be repeated."
Cycling's global governing body (UCI) on Monday said it "regretted" the Spanish government's support for the demonstrations, which "could call into question Spain's ability to host major international sporting events".
The disruptions raised questions about possible changes to the 2026 Tour de France, scheduled to start in Barcelona.
"It's obvious that since this Vuelta, international organisations will have to take decisions," Guillen said.
"I hope it's all sorted (by the Tour de France) and the conflict in Gaza has finished, not just for sport but for humanitarian reasons."
Arms contract cancelled
The war was sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.
Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed at least 64,905 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
The Spanish measures announced last week over Gaza included a ban on military equipment sales or purchases with Israel.
The cancelled arms contract revealed Monday was awarded to a consortium of Spanish companies and involved the purchase of 12 SILAM rocket launcher systems derived from the PULS platform made by Israeli firm Elbit Systems, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance.
Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said Monday that Spain should boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part, joining other European nations threatening to pull out.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
"Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition."
Copyright AP Photo
By Javier Iniguez De Onzono & Gavin Blackburn
Published on 15/09/2025 - EURONEWS
Speaking to members of his Socialist Party, Sánchez said Israel, like Russia, should not be allowed to compete in international sports events because of its military campaign in Gaza.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for Israel to be banned from sports events on Monday after pro-Palestinian activists disrupted the final stage of the Vuelta cycle race in chaotic scenes in Madrid.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent weeks as Spain's left-wing government expressed support for protesters who interrupted several stages of the Vuelta, including Sunday's final stage in Madrid, because an Israeli team was taking part.
Speaking to members of his Socialist Party, Sánchez said Israel, just like Russia, should not be allowed to compete in international sports events because of its military campaign in Gaza.
"The sports organisations should consider whether it’s ethical for Israel to keep participating in international competitions. Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza?" Sanchez asked.
"Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez looks on during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, 3 September, 2025 AP Photo
Sánchez spoke a day after Sunday's final stage of the Vuelta was cut short when pro-Palestinian protesters opposing the participation of Israeli team Israel Premier Tech threw barriers onto the road and clashed with police near the finish line in the Spanish capital.
Authorities said two people were arrested and 22 injured, none of them seriously.
The Spanish government had already expressed sympathy with the protesters and suggested that the Israel Premier Tech team should have withdrawn from the three-week-long race that became a diplomatic battleground.
The team removed its name from its uniforms but remained in the race until the end despite protesters' calls for it to be expelled.
Sánchez slammed by Israel
Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to Sánchez's comments by calling him an "antisemite and a liar."
"Did Israel invade Gaza on Oct. 7th or did the Hamas terror state invade Israel and commit the worst massacre against the Jews since the Holocaust?" he said in a post on X.
Madrid's conservative mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, also criticised Sánchez and described Sunday's events as a sad day for the Spanish capital.
Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard, who was leading the overall classification going into the final stage, was declared the winner of the Vuelta but the customary podium ceremony was cancelled.
Sánchez spoke a day after Sunday's final stage of the Vuelta was cut short when pro-Palestinian protesters opposing the participation of Israeli team Israel Premier Tech threw barriers onto the road and clashed with police near the finish line in the Spanish capital.
Authorities said two people were arrested and 22 injured, none of them seriously.
The Spanish government had already expressed sympathy with the protesters and suggested that the Israel Premier Tech team should have withdrawn from the three-week-long race that became a diplomatic battleground.
The team removed its name from its uniforms but remained in the race until the end despite protesters' calls for it to be expelled.
Sánchez slammed by Israel
Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to Sánchez's comments by calling him an "antisemite and a liar."
"Did Israel invade Gaza on Oct. 7th or did the Hamas terror state invade Israel and commit the worst massacre against the Jews since the Holocaust?" he said in a post on X.
Madrid's conservative mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, also criticised Sánchez and described Sunday's events as a sad day for the Spanish capital.
Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard, who was leading the overall classification going into the final stage, was declared the winner of the Vuelta but the customary podium ceremony was cancelled.
Israels's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signs a visitors book at the government building in Zagreb, 9 September, 2025 AP Photo
"It's a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us," Vingegaard said. "Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race."
The teams reportedly improvised a private podium ceremony later so riders could celebrate.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also condemned the protesters for "spoiling" the race and criticised Sánchez for "praising" the protests.
"Instead I want to praise the athletes and everyone who doesn't spoil things for others," she wrote on Instagram.
Vuelta race director Javier Guillén defended the decision to let the Israeli team stay in the race.
"It's a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us," Vingegaard said. "Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race."
The teams reportedly improvised a private podium ceremony later so riders could celebrate.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also condemned the protesters for "spoiling" the race and criticised Sánchez for "praising" the protests.
"Instead I want to praise the athletes and everyone who doesn't spoil things for others," she wrote on Instagram.
Vuelta race director Javier Guillén defended the decision to let the Israeli team stay in the race.
Protesters block the road in an attempt to disrupt the La Vuelta race, 14 September, 2025 AP Photo
"The Vuelta's position was clear, we had to abide to the norms of the International Cycling Union. It's the UCI that regulates the right of admission to the race," Guillén said at a news conference Monday.
"We never got into any other type of debate. All we wanted to do was to be able to finish the race with normalcy and that wasn't possible."
Spain has been at the forefront of Western efforts to hold Israel to account for the escalating death toll in Gaza.
A number of countries, including the UK and France, have said they plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General assembly and the European Commission's president Ursula von der Leyen called for scaling back Europe’s trade ties with Israel.
But Europe remains divided on its stance toward Israel and its limited sanctions and condemnations so far have had little effect.
"The Vuelta's position was clear, we had to abide to the norms of the International Cycling Union. It's the UCI that regulates the right of admission to the race," Guillén said at a news conference Monday.
"We never got into any other type of debate. All we wanted to do was to be able to finish the race with normalcy and that wasn't possible."
Spain has been at the forefront of Western efforts to hold Israel to account for the escalating death toll in Gaza.
A number of countries, including the UK and France, have said they plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General assembly and the European Commission's president Ursula von der Leyen called for scaling back Europe’s trade ties with Israel.
But Europe remains divided on its stance toward Israel and its limited sanctions and condemnations so far have had little effect.
Politicians trade barbs as Madrid protests curtail La Vuelta's final fiesta
Political fall-out continued in Spain on Monday after more than 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Madrid, forcing organisers to crop Sunday's final stage of La Vuelta. It was just the latest in a series of interruptions to one of world's most prestigious cycling races after the Tour de France.
Issued on: 15/09/2025 -
"It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us," Vingegaard said. "I’m really disappointed about that.
"I was looking forward to celebrating this overall win with my team and the fans. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race."
As the riders lamented the disrupted conclusion, politicians from Spain and Israel became embroiled in a row over the behaviour of protesters.
Speaking during a Socialist Workers' party rally in the southern city of Malaga, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilising for just causes like Palestine."
Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the opposition Popular Party, lashed out at Sanchez.
Ways to protest
"The head of the government is proud of the behaviour of a few who, to show their support for Gaza, threw barriers at the national police (...) Not me. I defend freedom of expression as long as it does not involve violence or unrest."
Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida also criticised Sanchez and described Sunday's events as a "sad day" for the Spanish capital.
Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar posted on social media that Sanchez and his government were a disgrace to Spain.
"He encouraged demonstrators to take to the streets," Saar said. "The pro-Palestinian mob heard the incitement messages – and wrecked the La Vuelta cycling race."
Yolanda Diaz, Spain's labour minister, also waded into the spat. "Spanish society does not tolerate the normalisation of the genocide in Gaza in sporting or cultural events,’" she said. "Our society is an example of dignity."
Oscar Lopez, the minister of public service, added: "The fact that the people of Madrid are protesting against genocide does not damage Spain's image. On the contrary (...) I regret it for La Vuelta, but I regret it even more for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who are being massacred."
The 2025 La Vuelta has been hit by protests since it started in Turin in Italy on 23 August. Protesters carrying Palestinian flags slowed down Israel-Premier Tech riders during the fifth stage in Figueres on 27 August.
Stage chalked off
On 3 September, the 11th stage in Bilbao was chalked off due to protests leading the UCI – world cycling's governing body – to issue a statement calling for calm.
"The UCI reiterates the fundamental importance of the political neutrality of sports organisations within the Olympic Movement, as well as the unifying and pacifying role of sport," it said.
"Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions.
"In this sense, the UCI reaffirms its commitment to the political neutrality, independence, and autonomy of sport, in accordance with the founding principles of the Olympic Movement.
"The UCI expresses its solidarity and support for the teams and their staff as well as the riders, who should be able to practise their profession and pursue their passion in optimal conditions of safety and serenity."
Despite the plea, incidents continued. On 7 September during the 15th stage between A Veiga/Vegadeo and Monforte de Lemos, a man carrying a Palestine flag caused a crash when he ran towards the road as riders approached. Javi Romo pulled out the next day due to injuries he sustained after his fall.
(With newswires)
Political fall-out continued in Spain on Monday after more than 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Madrid, forcing organisers to crop Sunday's final stage of La Vuelta. It was just the latest in a series of interruptions to one of world's most prestigious cycling races after the Tour de France.
Issued on: 15/09/2025 -
Around 100,000 pro-Palestinain demonstrators took to the streets of Madrid during the final stage of cycling race La Vuelta. AFP - OSCAR DEL POZO
Two people were arrested and around 20 injured in scuffles with authorities as demonstrators occupied the route at several points in the Spanish capital in protest at the presence of the Israel Premier Tech team in the three-week event.
Jonas Vingegaard claimed his first La Vuelta crown as a Visma–Lease a Bike rider after event organisers abandoned the 103.6km 21st stage between Alalpardo and Madrid with 50km remaining.
Vingegaard, a two-time winner of the Tour de France, completed the 3,000km course in 74 hours 20 minutes and 28 seconds.
Joao Almeida from Portugal, a cyclist for the UAE Team Emirates XRG, was 76 seconds behind and Britain's Tom Pidcock was third. The Q36.5 rider finished three minutes and 11 seconds off the pace
The trio celebrated their feats at the 80th edition of the race in a hotel car park away from the crowds in the central plazas.
Two people were arrested and around 20 injured in scuffles with authorities as demonstrators occupied the route at several points in the Spanish capital in protest at the presence of the Israel Premier Tech team in the three-week event.
Jonas Vingegaard claimed his first La Vuelta crown as a Visma–Lease a Bike rider after event organisers abandoned the 103.6km 21st stage between Alalpardo and Madrid with 50km remaining.
Vingegaard, a two-time winner of the Tour de France, completed the 3,000km course in 74 hours 20 minutes and 28 seconds.
Joao Almeida from Portugal, a cyclist for the UAE Team Emirates XRG, was 76 seconds behind and Britain's Tom Pidcock was third. The Q36.5 rider finished three minutes and 11 seconds off the pace
The trio celebrated their feats at the 80th edition of the race in a hotel car park away from the crowds in the central plazas.
Jonas Vingegaard added the 2025 La Vuelta – Tour of Spain – to his two crowns at the Tour de France. AFP - OSCAR DEL POZO
"It’s a pity that such a moment of eternity was taken from us," Vingegaard said. "I’m really disappointed about that.
"I was looking forward to celebrating this overall win with my team and the fans. Everyone has the right to protest, but not in a way that influences or endangers our race."
As the riders lamented the disrupted conclusion, politicians from Spain and Israel became embroiled in a row over the behaviour of protesters.
Speaking during a Socialist Workers' party rally in the southern city of Malaga, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilising for just causes like Palestine."
Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the opposition Popular Party, lashed out at Sanchez.
Ways to protest
"The head of the government is proud of the behaviour of a few who, to show their support for Gaza, threw barriers at the national police (...) Not me. I defend freedom of expression as long as it does not involve violence or unrest."
Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida also criticised Sanchez and described Sunday's events as a "sad day" for the Spanish capital.
Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar posted on social media that Sanchez and his government were a disgrace to Spain.
"He encouraged demonstrators to take to the streets," Saar said. "The pro-Palestinian mob heard the incitement messages – and wrecked the La Vuelta cycling race."
Yolanda Diaz, Spain's labour minister, also waded into the spat. "Spanish society does not tolerate the normalisation of the genocide in Gaza in sporting or cultural events,’" she said. "Our society is an example of dignity."
Oscar Lopez, the minister of public service, added: "The fact that the people of Madrid are protesting against genocide does not damage Spain's image. On the contrary (...) I regret it for La Vuelta, but I regret it even more for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who are being massacred."
The 2025 La Vuelta has been hit by protests since it started in Turin in Italy on 23 August. Protesters carrying Palestinian flags slowed down Israel-Premier Tech riders during the fifth stage in Figueres on 27 August.
Stage chalked off
On 3 September, the 11th stage in Bilbao was chalked off due to protests leading the UCI – world cycling's governing body – to issue a statement calling for calm.
"The UCI reiterates the fundamental importance of the political neutrality of sports organisations within the Olympic Movement, as well as the unifying and pacifying role of sport," it said.
"Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions.
"In this sense, the UCI reaffirms its commitment to the political neutrality, independence, and autonomy of sport, in accordance with the founding principles of the Olympic Movement.
"The UCI expresses its solidarity and support for the teams and their staff as well as the riders, who should be able to practise their profession and pursue their passion in optimal conditions of safety and serenity."
Despite the plea, incidents continued. On 7 September during the 15th stage between A Veiga/Vegadeo and Monforte de Lemos, a man carrying a Palestine flag caused a crash when he ran towards the road as riders approached. Javi Romo pulled out the next day due to injuries he sustained after his fall.
(With newswires)
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