Celtic’s proposed move for Israeli-based winger Jocelin Ta Bi is off, with reports indicating the deal was brought to a halt after the player failed a medical. [SunSport]
The transfer had been progressing quietly before coming under sharp scrutiny over the past week. Ta Bi, who plays for Maccabi Netanya, had been linked with a move to Glasgow as Celtic explored wide attacking options during the January window.
Once the links emerged, the footballing side of the deal was quickly overshadowed by a broader ethical and political debate.
Pro-Palestinian groups, including campaign organisations aligned with the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, applied sustained public pressure on Celtic to abandon the transfer.
Their objections centred on the ownership of Maccabi Netanya, which is controlled by Aliya Capital Partners. The firm holds investments in Israeli military technology, including companies that supply equipment to the Israeli state. [The Herald]
Campaigners argued that any transfer fee paid by Celtic would amount to financial engagement with an ownership structure they believe is complicit in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. They urged the club to walk away from the deal, saying it would clash with Celtic’s historic identity and values.
As things stand, the medical outcome has brought a clear conclusion to the saga. The move is now considered off, removing Celtic from a situation that had begun to attract attention well beyond football circles.
This is a look at how modern transfer dealings can quickly intersect with global politics, particularly when clubs operate in markets tied to geopolitical conflict. The majority of Celtic fans want the custodians of the club to uphold values they hold dear and that have been intertwined with Celtic’s identity since the beginning.
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One Response
Am I supporting a football club or a geopolitical entity? If this is the way sport is going then I want nothing to do with it!