Spanish broadcaster RTVE omits Israeli athlete during championships

During the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE allegedly omitted Israeli 400-meter hurdles record holder Omri Schiff during athlete introductions. While the presenter identified other competitors by name and nationality as the camera panned across the field, the broadcast skipped Schiff, moving instead to a Slovakian and then a Hungarian athlete.

The incident has drawn criticism from Israeli lawmakers, including Knesset member Oded Forer, who accused the broadcaster of antisemitism, suggesting the omission was intentional rather than an accidental error. RTVE has issued a public apology regarding the broadcast.

Schiff, a five-time Israeli champion, competed in his first European senior championships this week. He finished his qualifying race in 50.30 seconds, placing 16th overall, but was subsequently disqualified for a technical violation during the race.