The match was organized as a gesture of support for the people of Palestine and a tribute to more than 400 Palestinian athletes who lost their lives in the Gaza Strip.
Guardiola, a native Catalan and former captain of Barcelona, told the fans to come in as many as possible and fill the stadium, stressing that this duel has a deeper meaning than sports.
“Barcelona, the city of peace, will host a match between the Catalan and Palestinian national teams on Tuesday. It’s much more than football – it’s a call for solidarity and a tribute to the hundreds of athletes killed in Gaza. Let’s fill the stadium,” Guardiola said in a video posted on Instagram.
Strong support is expected in Barcelona, especially after Spain recognized Palestine as a state this year, along with Ireland and Norway, in one of Europe’s most significant political moves on the Palestinian issue.
The Spanish coach Pep Guardiola is calling on fans to show up for something bigger than football.
On Tuesday, November 18, in Barcelona, a charity match between Palestine and the Catalan national team will take place at the Olympic Stadium. pic.twitter.com/bd7L7wjxyv— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) November 13, 2025
In the Gaza Strip, according to the Ministry of Health, more than 69,000 people have been killed since October 2023, while more than 170,000 have been injured. In this context, the organizers emphasize that this match is not only a sporting event, but also a symbolic act of support, with a clear message that the tragedy of the Palestinian people must not remain forgotten.
(Vijesti.ba)
