FIFA sidesteps proposal to exclude Israel from international competitions

Spanish outlet AS has reported that the FIFA Council omitted a proposal seeking the suspension of Israel from international football tournaments from the agenda of its most recent virtual meeting.

According to the publication, a motion submitted by several European football associations, including Turkey and Norway, was never tabled for discussion, despite growing calls to sanction Israeli clubs and national teams over the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

Observers note that the likelihood of Israel being barred from global or European competitions remains minimal. FIFA is thought to be reluctant to take any decision that could disrupt preparations for the 2026 World Cup, where political sensitivities and organizational priorities are closely intertwined.

In a related development, eight United Nations experts sent a letter to both FIFA and UEFA on September 23, urging the governing bodies to suspend Israel, citing what they described as the “ongoing genocide in Palestine.”

Shortly after, 47 professional athletes, mainly footballers, issued a similar appeal to UEFA, demanding a ban on Israeli participation in all international competitions.

Meanwhile, political pressure has intensified in Spain, where government officials have hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup if Israel remains eligible to compete. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and members of his Socialist Party have been among the most vocal in calling for Israel’s exclusion.

Addressing the controversy, FIFA President Gianni Infantino refrained from taking a political stance but emphasized football’s role as a force for unity amid global conflict.

“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world. Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.” Infantino said.

He added, “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values.”