SAEDNEWS: Calls are mounting for world football authorities to suspend the Israeli regime from all competitions as outrage grows over its deadly war on Gaza.
On Friday, Turkey became the first UEFA member to openly call for Israel’s expulsion from football. Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu urged FIFA and UEFA to take action, stating that the time had come for football’s leaders to confront Israel’s alleged brutality.
The same day, 48 professional athletes—including France midfielder Paul Pogba and England cricketer Moeen Ali—issued a joint statement under the banner of Athletes 4 Peace, demanding that UEFA suspend Israel.
“As professional athletes of diverse backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs, we believe sport must uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and humanity,” the statement read.
“We call upon UEFA to immediately suspend Israel from all competitions until it complies with international law and ends its killing of civilians and the widespread starvation.”
The athletes highlighted the killing of Suleiman al-Obeid, the legendary “Palestinian Pele,” who the Palestine Football Association said was murdered last month during an attack by Israeli forces on civilians waiting for food aid in southern Gaza.
Israel has been a UEFA member since 1994, following its expulsion from the Asian Football Confederation in a move led by Kuwait and supported by Arab nations. Historically, Israel has reached only one men’s World Cup—in 1970—where it did not win any matches.
Meanwhile, the United States has moved quickly to protect Israel. The State Department stated on Thursday that it would block any attempt to ban Israel’s team from the World Cup.
UEFA has the authority to bar Israel from European competitions but cannot prevent participation in FIFA-run qualifiers. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, known for his close ties with US President Donald Trump, is not expected to support a suspension. He will chair a FIFA council meeting in Zurich next Thursday.
