Football: German club defends calling off signing of Israeli striker, chairman justifies decision

Fortuna Düsseldorf chairman Klaus Allofs has defended the German club’s decision to withdraw from signing Israeli striker Shon Weissman following opposition from sections of the fanbase over the player’s social media activity relating to the Gaza conflict. The second-division side had been in advanced talks to bring Weissman from Spanish club Granada but announced on Tuesday that the move would not go ahead. While the club did not specify the reason at the time, a later statement explained that Weissman’s past online statements and how they were handled did not align with Fortuna’s values. Fans had raised objections to the 29-year-old’s posts expressing support for Israel’s actions in Gaza after the events of October 7, 2023. Weissman has since set his Instagram account to private. Speaking ahead of Düsseldorf’s match against Hannover on Saturday, Allofs rejected claims the club’s stance was antisemitic. “It’s absurd, to put it bluntly,” he said. “We tried to sign a player, which is legitimate. It's also part of our values, that we don't limit ourselves with prejudices and rule things out from the start.” Allofs added that the decision was reached after consultation with Jewish community members in Düsseldorf, noting that while the process could have been quicker, the club wanted to consider the matter carefully. Weissman, who joined Granada in 2022, had previously faced security concerns related to his social media activity. Shortly after the October 2023 events, he missed a La Liga match against Osasuna amid worries about the atmosphere from some home fans. The controversy has put Fortuna Düsseldorf in the middle of a broader debate over whether clubs should weigh political or social positions when considering signings. Allofs maintained that while the club remains open in its approach to transfers, it must also ensure its choices reflect its principles.