Caroline Weir says Fifa and Uefa must answer Israel questions, not Scotland players

Scotland women’s captain Caroline Weir has called on Fifa and Uefa to answer questions about the political implications of her side’s World Cup qualifying fixtures against Israel, insisting the burden should not fall on players. Both matches are scheduled to be played at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“I think it’s fair for the questions to be asked. We know that we’ve been in this situation before. I don’t think the questions are for the players,” Weir told BBC Scotland. “I think the questions are for the governing bodies, Uefa, Fifa. I think it puts players in a very tricky position.”

She added that the squad is not unaware of the broader context. “We’re not naive to the fact of what’s going on in the political situation. And those questions, rightly so, should be asked. But again, it’s not for players really to comment on that. It’s for people higher up that actually make the decisions.”

The decision to stage both fixtures in the Hungarian capital comes as the conflict in Gaza continues. Local hospitals reported at least nine fatalities from Israeli strikes on Tuesday night. Both sides estimate that more than 70,000 people have been killed in the region overall since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of hostages.

Scotland previously faced Israel in June 2024, when their home fixture at Hampden was played behind closed doors following a 30-minute delay caused by an on-field protest.

On the pitch, Scotland arrive in good form and with strong recent history against this opponent, having beaten Israel 4-1 and 5-0 two years ago. They are currently level on points with Belgium at the top of Group B4 but hold a four-goal advantage. Belgium face Luxembourg in their own final double header, meaning two convincing Scotland wins could secure top spot and a seeded position in the play-offs — a berth Scotland have already guaranteed.

Head coach Melissa Andreatta offered a measured assessment of the opposition ahead of the tie. “They’re a very technical team and well-organised and structured to make it difficult for teams to play. They will try to get us on the counter attack. They have some great players who can finish chances and take goals from anywhere. That includes from set-pieces.”