Orlando Pirates Football Club

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Orlando, Soweto, South Africa

A South African professional football club based in Orlando, Soweto that competes in the Premier Soccer League.

CCI Score

-25.83

0.02% April 18

Latest Event

Orlando Pirates' Controversial Stance on Boycotting Israeli Match

Orlando Pirates Football Club declared it would not boycott its upcoming friendly match against Maccabi Tel Aviv despite calls from the BDS movement, citing adherence to established rules and its non-involvement in match organization. While the club invoked its history of anti-apartheid activism and reconciliation, its choice has raised concerns among anti-fascist critics who argue that a boycott could have signaled stronger solidarity with oppressed populations amid ongoing human rights violations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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ACCOMPLICE

Orlando Pirates Football Club is currently rated as an Accomplice.

-20 to -29 CCI Score

These companies profit from authoritarian practices through their business dealings. Although they may not be directly enforcing oppressive policies, their actions contribute to the economic and operational sustenance of authoritarian regimes.

Latest Events

MAR

18

2025

Orlando Pirates' Controversial Stance on Boycotting Israeli Match
2.70

Orlando Pirates Football Club declared it would not boycott its upcoming friendly match against Maccabi Tel Aviv despite calls from the BDS movement, citing adherence to established rules and its non-involvement in match organization. While the club invoked its history of anti-apartheid activism and reconciliation, its choice has raised concerns among anti-fascist critics who argue that a boycott could have signaled stronger solidarity with oppressed populations amid ongoing human rights violations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
-20

Public and Political Behavior

March 18

Under the Public and Political Behavior category, Orlando Pirates' decision not to boycott the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv is seen as a reluctance to take a definitive political stance in support of human rights, despite historical ties to anti-apartheid activism. This neutrality, influenced by business and regulatory constraints, may undermine the club’s potential influence against current oppressive practices, thus scoring negatively from an anti-fascist perspective.

Orlando Pirates will not boycott match against Israeli side
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 18

In the realm of Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility, the club highlights its proud legacy as an anti-apartheid institution and a proponent of unity and reconciliation. This historical commitment to social justice adds a positive dimension to its profile, even though its decision not to boycott the Israeli match introduces a degree of ambiguity in its current ethical stance.

Orlando Pirates will not boycott match against Israeli side
MAR

18

2025

Orlando Pirates Proceed with Friendly Match Amid Boycott Calls
-30.64

The Orlando Pirates Football Club has decided to play a pre-season friendly match against Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in Spain despite significant pressure from political groups, activists, and sections of its fanbase calling for a boycott due to concerns over sportswashing and associations with apartheid-era practices. The club defended its decision by invoking the rule of law and its historical social contributions, a stance criticized from an anti-fascist perspective.
-40

Public and Political Behavior

March 18

The club's decision to continue with the match against an Israeli team, despite mounting calls for a boycott from activist groups and political figures concerned with human rights and anti-apartheid ethics, reflects a problematic stance within the realm of public and political behavior. This decision is seen as prioritizing business interests over a commitment to opposing practices that facilitate sportswashing and the normalization of oppressive regimes.

Orlando Pirates insist on match with Israeli club in Spain, but pressure mounts as ANC adds voice
-20

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 18

While Orlando Pirates have a celebrated legacy of social progress—having been active in dismantling apartheid and contributing to community welfare—the decision to engage in a match that has been framed by some as enabling sportswashing raises concerns. From an ethical responsibility perspective, this action contradicts calls for a boycott aimed at opposing regimes associated with oppressive practices, thereby undermining the club's historical commitment to ethical practices.

Orlando Pirates insist on match with Israeli club in Spain, but pressure mounts as ANC adds voice
JUL

11

2023

Orlando Pirates' stance on Israeli friendly criticized by SACP
-41.87

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has urged Orlando Pirates to withdraw from a pre-season friendly match with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, arguing that continuing with the match contradicts the club's historical values of anti-apartheid solidarity and implicitly supports repressive regimes.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

March 18

Orlando Pirates' decision to insist on playing Maccabi Tel Aviv despite calls from the SACP is seen as a rejection of politically progressive solidarity. By continuing with the match, the club appears to sideline its historical commitment to opposing oppression, aligning with repressive political behaviors. This has raised concerns among anti-fascist observers about bolstering authoritarian sentiments by ignoring calls for ethical, solidarity-based political decisions.

Orlando Pirates should reconsider its stance – SACP
JUL

10

2023

Controversy over Orlando Pirates' Match Decision Amid Boycott Calls
-33.49

Amid widespread appeals from the BDS movement, anti-apartheid activists, and political figures, Orlando Pirates Football Club has decided to participate in a pre-season friendly match against Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Critics, including former minister Ronnie Kasrils and ANC representatives, have accused the club of engaging in sportswashing and normalizing a regime associated with apartheid policies, thereby undermining its historic stance against oppression.
-40

Public and Political Behavior

March 18

The club’s decision to proceed with the match, despite significant political and activist pressure to boycott in solidarity with Palestinians, reflects a concerning neglect of its historical commitment to anti-oppression values. This action is interpreted as indirectly supporting systems that normalize repressive practices and apartheid, making it complicit in actions that could bolster authoritarian narratives. The decision is viewed negatively from an anti-fascist perspective, signaling a prioritization of regulatory and commercial commitments over moral and political responsibilities.

BDS leads widespread calls for South African football club Orlando Pirates to boycott match with Israeli team : Peoples Dispatch