The Game Comes Together: A National Effort to Tackle Antisemitism in Sport

London, 4 December 2025 — Leading figures from across sport and football in particular, came together today at Arsenal Football Club for a landmark Tackling Antisemitism in Sport Symposium, delivered in partnership between Maccabi GB and the Office of HM Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism, Lord Mann. The event brought together more than 100 professionals from clubs, leagues, county FAs, governing bodies and supporter networks to deepen understanding of antisemitism within sport and to develop new, practical strategies for creating safer and more inclusive environments for Jewish

participants.

Taking place on the 90^th anniversary of the 1935 England–Germany match at White Hart Lane, when the German team delivered

the Nazi salute on the pitch, the symposium used this historic moment to anchor a wider conversation about the dangers of silence and complicity in football when antisemitism goes unchallenged.

Throughout the day, attendees explored the current landscape of antisemitism in British sport, the lived experiences of Jewish professionals and supporters, and the opportunities and challenges within organisational EDI strategies. Delegates collectively examined how the football sector can respond more confidently and consistently, lookin

g at areas such as reporting pathways, communications, internal frameworks, education, and support for Jewish fans.

The symposium represents a pivotal moment of the wider Tackling Antisemitism in Sport project, established in September 2023 as a formal partnership between Maccabi GB and Lord Mann’s office. Its aim is to raise awareness of anti-Jewish hate in sport, deliver education at all levels of the game, and give clubs and organisations the tools and confidence to recognise, prevent and respond to antisemitism. More than 4,000 professionals across the football pyramid have already taken part in its workshops, including all 20 Premier League clubs, 60 EFL clubs and 46 County FAs.

Lord Mann, HM Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism, said:

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together — but it can also expose the prejudices that exist in wider society. That is why this partnership with Maccabi GB is so important. We are equipping clubs, leagues and governing bodies with the knowledge and confidence they need to identify antisemitism early and tackle it decisively. The willingness of football leaders to engage so openly today is not just encouraging — it is essential. We now have the opportunity to ensure that the lessons of the past translate into meaningful, measurable change for the future.”

The symposium also heard from Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with both the sport sector and Jewish community organisations to address antisemitism:

“Sport should always be a place of belonging, pride and unity. Antisemitism has no place in football or in British society, and I welcome the leadership shown today by Maccabi GB and Lord Mann. The Government is committed to supporting this work, ensuring that clubs and governing bodies have the capability, confidence and frameworks to prevent discrimination and respond effectively when it occurs. Tackling antisemitism strengthens not only Jewish participation in sport, but the integrity and inclusivity of the game as a whole.”

Speaking at the event, Ashley Lerner, Chief Executive of Maccabi GB, said:

“Maccabi has been confronting antisemitism for more than a century, and that history is reflected in the educational exhibition we created for today’s event. It reminds us why this work matters and why we must keep moving forward. Bringing people together to learn, share experiences and commit to practical action is how we create a better future for Jewish players, staff and supporters. In partnership with Lord Mann’s office, we are determined to ensure that the conversations held today lead to meaningful change across the sporting world.”

A central outcome of the symposium will be the development of a practical industry toolkit, shaped directly by the discussions held throughout the day. This resource will support clubs and governing bodies in embedding antisemitism awareness into EDI strategies, improving communication and reporting structures, and ensuring Jewish fans and staff feel safe, represented and included. Each delegate made a commitment to take at least one action back to their organisation, ensuring momentum continues beyond the event.

The symposium forms part of Maccabi GB’s long-standing strategic commitment to strengthening the Jewish community through sport and education, building on its century-long history as a community organisation and its expanding national reach in tackling antisemitism and supporting Jewish identity.