Maltese authorities are facing growing pressure to reconsider hosting next week’s UEFA Europa League qualifier between Ħamrun Spartans and Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, as outrage builds over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.In an open letter sent to this newsroom, activist group Watermelon Warriors described the match as a form of “sportswashing” — an attempt to launder a state’s reputation through international sport. They argue that allowing Israeli clubs to compete as normal while Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice sends a dangerous message of impunity.“European football continues to accommodate Israeli clubs without scrutiny or consequence,” the letter reads, pointing to reports that Maccabi Tel Aviv has sent care packages to Israeli soldiers in Gaza and produced motivational videos for troops. The activists claim this goes beyond passive support and amounts to open endorsement of military action.Concerns extend beyond geopolitics. Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters have developed a reputation for disorder and provocation in European cities. During a previous fixture in Malta, their fans were widely condemned for aggressive behaviour. More recently, in Amsterdam, the club’s visit triggered violent clashes with police and large-scale disruption. Similar scenes have been reported in Athens and elsewhere.With tensions high and emotions raw, the question is whether Maltese authorities will — or even can — respond.So far, there has been no official indication that the match will be altered or postponed. It remains unclear whether police intend to take any additional security measures, or how many away fans are expected to travel. This newsroom has reached out to the Malta Police Force for comment.Legally, the government and Malta Football Association are limited in what they can do. UEFA regulations prohibit host countries from interfering with fixtures on political grounds. But that doesn’t mean there are no options. If the police or stadium authorities determine that public order cannot be guaranteed, they can request restrictions — such as a ban on away fans or a match played behind closed doors. UEFA has permitted such measures in the past when safety concerns warranted them.A more forceful intervention, such as cancelling the match outright or refusing to provide police coverage, would carry diplomatic and sporting consequences. It would likely trigger disciplinary action from UEFA and strain Malta’s relationship with European football’s governing body — not to mention the political fallout such a move would invite.Still, the activists behind this week’s call believe that hosting the match without objection amounts to tacit approval. With the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsening and Israel’s military actions under international legal scrutiny, they argue that now is not the time for silence — least of all on the football pitch.•