'Like doing business with Nazi Germany': Polish football club rejects Israeli transfer offers
The owner of Polish football club Pogon Szczecin says the club has rejected transfer offers from Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, arguing that ethical considerations outweigh financial interests and comparing business dealings with the club to doing business with Nazi Germany.
On Friday, Alex Haditaghi announced on X that he had informed Maccabi Tel Aviv of his decision not to pursue negotiations over the transfers of defenders Dimitris Keramitsis and Leo Borges.
In a letter addressed to the president of Maccabi Tel Aviv and published on his social media account, Haditaghi said football should represent "hope, respect, unity and humanity" and be "more important than politics, borders or divisions."
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans chant hate, make Nazi gestures during football match https://t.co/K2b28kA3vT
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He said the ongoing suffering of civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and elsewhere in the region had influenced his decision.
"Considering the ongoing suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and across the region, and considering the violent, genocidal, and inhuman actions" of the Israeli regime, "I do not believe it would be morally right for our club to proceed with any business transaction with a club representing Israel at this time," he wrote.
Haditaghi added that his responsibilities extended beyond the club's financial interests to safeguarding "values, principles and humanity."
Comparison with Nazi Germany
Explaining his position further, Haditaghi drew a historical comparison.
"Had I been alive during the times of Nazi Germany, one of the darkest chapters of history, I would not have done business with any sports club representing Nazi Germany, a regime that was responsible for mass murder and crimes against millions of innocent people," he wrote.
Amsterdam bans Maccabi Tel Aviv over fans support for Israel's Gaza genocide https://t.co/L3lYOixsF0
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"Today, I have to apply the same moral standard," he added.
"There are moments when ethics must be stronger than profit and money."
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