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Swiss lawmakers in Vaud to vote on reviewing UEFA tax exemption over Israel dispute

· 3 min read

Swiss lawmakers in Vaud to vote on reviewing UEFA tax exemption over Israel dispute​

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Lawmakers in the Swiss canton of Vaud are set to vote on March 17 on a resolution that could lead to a review of the tax privileges granted to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), amid criticism over the organization’s continued recognition of the Israeli Football Association (IFA).

Swiss lawmakers in Vaud to vote on reviewing UEFA tax exemption over Israel dispute

UEFA, whose headquarters are located in the Swiss city of Nyon, benefits from tax exemptions granted to international sports federations operating in Switzerland. These privileges are typically provided on the condition that such organizations contribute to promoting peace and combating racism and discrimination.

Supporters of the resolution argue that UEFA’s continued recognition of the Israeli Football Association raises questions about whether the organization still fulfills those conditions. The initiative is backed by several lawmakers in Vaud who say Swiss citizens should not indirectly fund activities linked to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories through tax advantages granted to UEFA.

The proposal refers to a July 19, 2024 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which concluded that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, is unlawful under international law. Legislators argue that the IFA continues to field football teams based in Israeli settlements located in the occupied West Bank while maintaining full membership in UEFA.

According to the text of the resolution, UEFA has long benefited from tax exemptions despite its substantial commercial activities because international sports federations are expected to promote peace and fight racism and discrimination.

“UEFA has long placed these concerns at the heart of its decisions,” the resolution states, noting that the organization cited its commitment to peace when imposing sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine war. However, the resolution argues that similar principles are not being applied in the case of Israel.

If the resolution is approved, authorities in Vaud would ask the cantonal tax administration to formally notify UEFA and set a deadline for the organization to justify whether maintaining the membership of the Israeli Football Association and failing to impose sanctions against it are compatible with the values required for tax exemption.

The process could initiate administrative proceedings to determine whether UEFA’s tax status should be maintained, modified, or revoked. Any unfavorable decision could ultimately be challenged in Swiss courts.

Théophile Schenker, a member of the Vaud cantonal parliament, said UEFA’s inaction sends the wrong message. “By continuing to recognize clubs located in illegally occupied territories, UEFA is sending a signal that it condones these actions. Football deserves better than that,” he said.

Human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber, former director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the debate also puts Switzerland’s reputation as the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions under scrutiny.

Ashish Prashar, former adviser to the Middle East Peace Envoy and campaign director for the Game Over Israel initiative, also criticized UEFA, saying the organization must either suspend Israel’s membership or face growing pressure over what activists describe as double standards in international football governance.

source: tehrantimes.com