למה לי פוליטיקה עכשיו: פוליטיקה בשדה הכדורגל הישראלי

Originating as a modern game in the mid-19th century, football rapidly gained popularity among lower classes in England. Yet an additional “player” – politics – also became quickly involved. This paper posits that football and politics are inherently intertwined, and that separating the two is nearly impossible. The multifaceted influence of this game often invites political involvement, particularly – yet not exclusively – when it concerns selection for the national team. This paper examines the relationships between soccer and politics in Israel through a case study approach. Historically, two distinct phases can be identified: the first decade following the establishment of the State of Israel, when politics played a dominant role and had a meaningful impact on the game; and the subsequent period, during which Israel's shift to a capitalist society transformed the game of football into a commercialized commodity. However, despite the decline in political control, its impact remains evident within football institutions and stadium culture.