FIFA’s Stance on Israeli Soccer Teams Amid International Pressure
In response to mounting international pressure to exclude Israeli soccer teams from competitions, FIFA president Gianni Infantino clarified on Thursday that the organization’s mission focuses on promoting peace and unity rather than intervening in political matters. This statement came during a meeting of FIFA’s decision-making council that notably did not include Israel on the agenda, just days before the qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup are set to resume.
Recent Developments and Peace Proposals
The discussion over Israel’s participation in international soccer was notably subdued following a recent peace proposal made by U.S. President Donald Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has temporarily alleviated some of the pressure from European soccer leaders advocating for sanctions against Israel amid the ongoing two-year conflict in Gaza.
FIFA’s Role and Infantino’s Remarks
FIFA’s release conveyed Infantino’s emphasis on the organization’s role in fostering community and harmony across the globe, particularly regarding the unrest in Gaza.
“FIFA cannot resolve geopolitical issues,” he reiterated, “but it can and should foster the spirit of football worldwide through its educational, cultural, and humanitarian initiatives.”
Infantino did not address the media directly, and no press conference was conducted following the meeting. The Israeli men’s national team is slated to face World Cup qualifying matches against Norway in Oslo on October 11 and Italy in Udine three days later.
Calls for Suspension and UEFA’s Position
Among the European soccer federations that have pushed for actions against Israel, Norway’s representatives were particularly vocal in advocating for UEFA to consider a vote aimed at suspending Israeli teams from competitions ahead of the FIFA meeting in Zurich. Turkey’s football federation has also called for the suspension.
Despite the support for a ban among many UEFA member states, insiders expressed that such a vote would likely be approved, despite resistance from members representing Israel and Germany. However, the possibility of FIFA adopting any UEFA resolution appeared unlikely. This impression was reinforced after the U.S. State Department expressed its intent to protect Israel’s standing in international soccer.
Reactions to the Peace Initiative
The peace initiative from Trump and Netanyahu received favorable reactions from several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, a significant supporter of Palestine and an influential player within UEFA’s echelons, aided by its president, Aleksander Ceferin. This Thursday’s FIFA council meeting also featured Ceferin and Nasser al-Khelaifi, the head of the European club association and president of the Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, who is also connected to the Qatari government.
Additionally, Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian soccer federation, has been in attendance in Switzerland this week, engaging in discussions with Kirsty Coventry, the president of the International Olympic Committee.