Slovenian volleyball players refuse to shake hands with opponents from Israel, public divided

(Patria) - The Slovenian women's volleyball team has caused divided public reactions after the players, at the end of their winning match against Israel in the qualifiers for the 2026 European Championship, refused the customary sporting gesture – shaking hands with their opponents.

Although Slovenia concluded the qualifiers with a triumph, the public's focus has shifted to the politically motivated decision of the national team players, who allegedly agreed in advance not to shake hands with the Israeli volleyball players. Some see such an act as an expression of solidarity with the people of Gaza, while others condemn it as inappropriate, unsportsmanlike, and shameful, writes Slovenia's 24Ur.

The President of the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia, Metod Ropret, confirmed that the federation was not informed in advance about the players' actions.

"This was an impulsive decision by the players, something they seem to have agreed on internally. I only saw this move for the first time in the broadcast footage," said Ropret, adding that the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia distances itself from this act.

The players have not commented so far. According to Ropret, they are currently in the preparation phase for the World Championship and wish to protect both their own integrity and that of the federation.

Public reactions were strong. Some citizens and media praised the decision as a brave act of solidarity with the victims of the conflict in Gaza, while others, including MEP Milan Zver from the SDS party, strongly condemned the move, calling it "Satanism in Slovenian sport".

Such gestures are not uncommon in modern sports – it is known that many Ukrainian tennis players refuse to shake hands with Russian opponents, in protest against the war in their country.

Although sports and politics are often tried to be separated, this case shows that emotions and global conflicts are increasingly finding their reflection on sports fields.

Meanwhile, a further reaction from the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia is expected, as well as a possible statement from the national team players themselves, who, despite criticism, have also received many words of support on social networks.