The Municipality of Udine has refused to sponsor an upcoming Nations League match between Italy and Israel, scheduled for October 14 at the Friuli Stadium.
The decision came despite a request from Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), who had hoped to secure the city's backing for the match.
According to a statement given to ANSA, the municipality cited concerns that sponsoring the game could be "divisive" due to Israel being "a country at war." "Sponsorship is reserved for non-profit initiatives, which is not the case here. Exceptions are made only for charitable events or those that significantly enhance our image. Sponsoring this match could have led to social divisions," they clarified.
Senator Luca Ciriani from the ruling Fratelli D'Italia party publicly criticized Udine Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni's decision, calling it "wrong."
"Sports and politics should remain separate entities, especially since the national team represents all Israelis, irrespective of any governmental criticism," he argued.
Ciriani further expressed his personal commitment to attending the match, saying, "I will do everything in my power to be present at the Friuli Stadium on game day, both to support Italy and to show my solidarity with the Israeli people."
In the upcoming Nations League, Israel will face stiff competition in Group 2 of League A, going up against soccer powerhouses Italy, Belgium and France. The campaign kicks off on September 6 with an away match against Belgium.