Eurovision crisis

2026 contest in the balance amid rising boycott threats over Israel

- BY JAMIE ROBERTS

EUROVISION is scrambling to save next year’s song contest after more countries confirmed they would pull out if Israel is allowed to compete.

Seven-time winner Ireland had already threatened to quit, as reported in yesterday's Daily Mirror, due to “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. Spain and Slovenia have now followed suit.

Show organiser the European Broadcasting Union is said to be in a state of alarm, having pushed back from October to December the deadline for broadcasters from all countries to confirm participation.