FIFA Rules Out Israel Suspension Amid Gaza Conflict, Cites Geopolitical Limits

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems and therefore will not suspend Israel from international football competitions despite calls from human rights organizations and UN experts accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Infantino emphasized that FIFA's role is to promote football’s unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values, aiming to foster peace and unity in a divided world. The FIFA Council, meeting in Zurich, did not decide to exclude Israel, with FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani noting that any suspension decision lies with UEFA, as Israel competes in European tournaments. Infantino’s position contrasts with FIFA's swift ban on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in FIFA’s approach to geopolitical conflicts. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and UN-appointed human rights experts have urged FIFA and UEFA to take action against Israel, but Infantino reiterated that football should remain separate from political disputes. The debate over suspending Israel is ongoing within FIFA’s governance framework, but no immediate sanctions have been imposed.