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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Martin Belam

‘It is time to ask if the rules allow abuse’: broadcasters call for overhaul of Eurovision voting after Israeli near win

Yuval Raphael represents Israel with the song New Day Will Rise during the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
Yuval Raphael represents Israel with the song New Day Will Rise during the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

Broadcasters across Europe are challenging the Eurovision song contest voting system, after an overwhelming public vote in favour of Israel’s entry saw it narrowly miss out on victory in a tense finale on Saturday. The contest was ultimately won by Austria’s JJ with Wasted Love.

Finland’s Yle Entertainment said: “We will ask the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) whether it is time to update these rules or at least review whether the current rules allow for abuse.” Spain’s public broadcaster called for a “complete review” to avoid “external interference”.

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