FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted that football’s global governing body will not sanction Israel despite pressure to do so.
Last month, a United Nations commission of inquiry concluded that the country has committed genocide against Palestine in Gaza.
European governing body UEFA has also shelved plans to boot Israel out of European competition in the wake of Donald Trump’s peace plan, with the US president launching a bid to bring an end to the war in Gaza – a move which has seen UEFA effectively put its foot on the ball.
The continent’s governing body had been considering holding an emergency meeting of its executive committee next week amid reports a majority were in favour of a ban.
Infantino is close friend of Trump, and would have faced heavy pressure to take action had UEFA decided to. That, though, has been put on hold.
And Infantino himself has spoken out on the topic, seemingly batting away any suggestion that he may be forced to move himself.
‘Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today,’ Infantino said after a FIFA council meeting held on Thursday. ‘The most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity
‘FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.’
US president Trump has backing from eight countries on his 20-point plan aimed at ending the devastating, near two-year conflict. Israel has frequently denied that actions in Gaza are genocide and say they are ‘self-defence’ and justified.
It includes a process of demilitarisation and redevelopment, with former PM Sir Tony Blair becoming the first named member of a ‘Board of Peace’, chaired by Trump. The body would temporarily oversee Gaza’s governance if the plan is accepted by Hamas.
Israel has been a member of UEFA since 1984. The involvement of its clubs in European competitions has triggered anger in certain quarters. At the Super Cup Final in August a UEFA banner reading ‘Stop Killing Children, Stop Killing Civilians’ was raised.
According to Sky News, a spokesperson for Marco Rubio’s state department has said: ‘We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.’
In a speech in New York this week, Infantino said it is difficult to sanction countries involved in conflict but added: ‘I suffer when I see children suffer. I cry when I see mothers crying, whether it’s in Gaza… anywhere in the world.’
But despite Infantino’s words, Russia remains banned from international competition due to its war with Ukraine and won’t play at the World Cup, which starts next June.
Some European sides have asked if they could avoid playing teams from Israel. Israel are currently third in Group I of World Cup qualifying. Had UEFA pressed ahead with a ban, it would be unlikely to stop them playing in the qualifiers given the tournament itself is organised by FIFA.
