During last week’s EuroVolley qualifying match in Strumica, North Macedonia, the Slovenian women’s national team defeated Israel 3–0, securing an unbeaten run in the tournament. However, attention quickly shifted to events after the match. The players chose not to take part in the customary post-match handshake, later describing it as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Palestinians.
Reactions were mixed. Some supporters saw the move as a peaceful statement, while critics questioned whether political messages should be expressed in a sporting context.
“It goes beyond the limits or guidelines that were given to us, but we can understand it and we can do everything to ensure that they can still carry out their competitive program without interruption. However, if the girls had been thinking about it, they should have talked to us beforehand,”
The president of the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia, Metod Ropret, for TV Slovenia.
It is unclear whether the team will face any official repercussions for their decision.
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