UEFA has launched a disciplinary investigation after fans of Israeli club Maccabi Haifa displayed an inflammatory banner aimed at Poland during a Europa Conference League qualifier, drawing condemnation from Polish and Israeli leaders.
The incident occurred on Thursday when Haifa supporters unfurled a banner that read “Murderers since 1939” in English during their clash with Polish side Rakow Czestochowa.
The message was swiftly denounced by Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who described it on X as “scandalous” and “an insult to Polish victims of World War Two including three million Jews.” Israel’s embassy in Poland also condemned the display.
The second-leg tie was staged in Hungary rather than Israel due to security concerns, just a week after the first meeting in Poland where Rakow fans had displayed a banner accusing Israel of “murdering people” while “the world was silent.”
UEFA confirmed Friday that both clubs face charges of “transmitting a message not fit for a sports event.” Sanctions, potentially including fines or partial stadium closures, will be determined by the governing body’s disciplinary panel. Rakow won Thursday’s game 2-0, progressing 2-1 on aggregate.
Poland’s foreign ministry said it had raised the matter directly with Israel’s ambassador, Yaakov Finkelstein.
According to its statement, “He expressed his utmost outrage at the scandalous content of a banner displayed by the Israeli fans and thanked for its firm condemnation by the embassy.”
The ministry added that Poland’s ambassador in Israel would also raise the issue with Israeli officials, stressing: “Polish-Israeli relations must not, and will not, be undermined by extremists.”
UEFA bans political slogans at matches it oversees but has itself drawn attention for public messaging. Just two days before the incident, the European body displayed “Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians” on the pitch ahead of the Super Cup in Udine between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham. UEFA explained it as part of a broader initiative with its foundation supporting children affected by conflicts in regions such as Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine.
The Super Cup ceremony also featured two Palestinian children who had fled Gaza and are now living as refugees in Italy.
Earlier in 2025, during the Champions League final in Munich, PSG fans held up a banner reading “Stop Genocide in Gaza.” UEFA chose not to punish the French club over that protest.
