October 6 – The Swiss women’s national team will decide collectively how to approach this week’s politically charged World Cup playoff against Israel, with the Swiss Football Association leaving open the possibility that individual players could refuse to take part. 
 
Switzerland Women face Israel on Friday in the first leg of their 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff, with the Israeli ‘home’ fixture being staged behind closed doors in Hungary. The return leg will be played in Sion four days later. 
 
Johan Djourou, Technical Director of Switzerland’s women’s national teams, said the federation had issued no instruction to the players and would first consult the squad leadership group. 
 
“We will sit down with the team council and the national team coach this evening,” he said. 
 
Djourou added that any player who decided not to play would have that decision respected. 
 
“The discussion is open. We will talk to the players and listen to them – hearing and accepting their ideas as well. The players are the priority.” 
 
The situation comes against the backdrop of Ireland’s men – most of whom begrudgingly took part in a highly charged Nations League double-header against Israel. 
 
Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from those fixtures on moral grounds, while the rest of the squad eventually voted to play. The Irish players wore black armbands, declined pre-match handshakes and lowered their heads during the Israeli anthem. Their second fixture, played behind closed doors in Serbia, was also preceded by a press conference which was cut short after heated exchanges with Israeli journalists. 
 
Switzerland’s women have not yet decided whether they will make any similar gesture. 
 
Djourou said: “I am very disappointed. Whenever I see what is happening to those children and families there, I get very angry. But I don’t want this to be generalised. I am always against war and in favour of peace. 
 
“Here, however, the focus is on sport, and I have always respected my opponents. I won’t turn a blind eye, but on Friday, sport takes centre stage, and I will respect the Israeli players.” 
 
The Swiss federation has never been shy to take an institutional stand. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it said its national teams would not play Russian opposition, although UEFA and FIFA’s subsequent suspension of Russia ultimately removed the issue from Switzerland Women’s Euro 2022 schedule. 
 
This time the federation is leaving the decision-making with the players themselves. On the pitch, Switzerland Women are trying to secure a place at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil and would face Austria or Kosovo in the next playoff round if they progress. If they have a full squad, and that’s a big if, then they are string favourites. 
 
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]