More than 30 legal experts, including the executive director of the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention, have sent a strong letter to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. They are demanding that Israel and its football clubs be banned from all competitions. The experts highlighted the ongoing attacks in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed, including at least 421 football players since October 2023.
The letter urges UEFA to act immediately, describing the situation in Gaza as a genocide. Experts warn that allowing Israel to continue participating in football competitions sends the wrong message and normalizes violence. They argue that the Israel Football Association has not taken any steps to challenge these actions, making it unacceptable for its teams to compete internationally.
The letter also emphasizes the destruction of Gaza’s football infrastructure. Bombed stadiums, training grounds, and local fields have left young athletes without opportunities to play or train. According to the experts, this systematic damage has destroyed the dreams of an entire generation of Palestinian footballers.
Sports and Global Outrage
The letter draws parallels with historic examples where sports were used to pressure governments committing serious human rights violations. South Africa was banned from international sports during apartheid, and Russia faced suspensions from FIFA and UEFA after invading Ukraine.
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Campaigners, including former UN official Craig Mokhiber, argue that it is inconsistent for international football organizations to act quickly against some countries while hesitating in the case of Israel, despite evidence of widespread violence and human suffering. They stress that football should represent unity and positive values, not give a platform to countries accused of serious crimes.
In recent months, football fans across Europe have shown solidarity with Gaza. Supporters in cities such as Glasgow, Paris, Rome, and Bilbao have waved Palestinian flags during games. UEFA also paid tribute to Palestinian football legend Suleiman al-Obeid, who was killed in Gaza, though critics, including Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, said the organization did not mention the cause of his death.
Banners and gestures, including messages like “Stop killing civilians. Stop killing children,” have appeared at football events, highlighting the human toll of the attacks and the need for global awareness. UEFA’s Foundation has even included Palestinian refugee children in medal ceremonies, drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
FIFA, UEFA, and the Debate Over Responsibility
While UEFA and FIFA emphasize that football should remain separate from political conflicts, experts and campaigners argue that ignoring these events makes the organizations complicit. Amnesty International, led by Agnes Callamard, has also called on FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel, citing ongoing killings, destruction of homes, and expansion of settlements in Palestinian territories.
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Despite these warnings, no European country or football club has withdrawn from matches against Israeli teams. Campaign director Ashish Prashar, who helped organize the experts’ letter, pointed out that a boycott by even one nation could force the issue, as FIFA rules would grant Israel automatic victories if opponents refused to play.
The letter also criticized recent political proposals, including a ceasefire plan from the United States, saying it does not hold Israel accountable under international law. Experts argue that peace cannot be achieved without justice for the victims of Gaza, and that UEFA and FIFA have a responsibility to uphold these principles through action in sport.
Advocates emphasize the importance of sports as a global community. They argue that allowing countries accused of genocide to compete freely undermines the values of fairness, justice, and humanity that football represents worldwide. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that the organization cannot solve geopolitical problems, but critics say such statements risk normalizing violence and ignoring the suffering of millions.