Ebu reminded the Swedish public broadcaster SVT about the visa rules after Felicia’s comments

in Sweden the country’s fresh Eurovision representative Felician the uproar caused by the comments continues.

The European Broadcasting Union EBU, which organizes Eurovision, was in contact with the Swedish broadcasting company SVT from the beginning of the week due to Felicia’s criticism of Israel. It wanted to remind about the rules of the competition, Today’s News (DN) me SVT tell.

Performing under the stage name Felicia Felicia Eriksson won Melodifestivalen on Saturday with his song My System and will represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria in May.

After his victory, he told DN that he does not consider Israel’s visa participation to be a good solution.

“I actually don’t think theirs [Israelin] should be there. That’s all,” he said at the time.

Felicia later repeated her position to the news agency TT:

“I’ll go and make sure they don’t win.”

The competition however, the rules prohibit artists from taking a political stance on the competition.

Eurovision manager by Martin Green According to Swedish media, Ebu has been in contact with SVT since the beginning of the week to ensure that the artist has received a clear reminder of the rules and responsibility.

According to Green, the members of Ebu have drawn up clear rules for the contest, according to which participants must not use Eurovision as a vehicle for political statements or creating controversy. The purpose of Eurovision is to celebrate music and promote unity, Green emphasized.

SVT’s program manager Eva Beckman said SVT’s though The cultural news– program, that the company cannot and must not try to guide the personal opinions of independent artists.

“Freedom of speech applies to artists, including those who participate in Eurovision,” Beckman said.

Before Ebua Felicia’s comments, the Israeli broadcasting company KAN was indignant, which is considering filing an official complaint. KAN commented to the Eurovisionfun website trying to keep the competition out of all political discussion.

of Israel participation in Eurovision has sparked debate in various parts of Europe due to the war in Gaza.

Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia have announced their withdrawal from this year’s Eurovision.

Representing Finland Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen.