Calls for Israel to be expelled from European football have gained momentum after a group of over 30 International legal experts and human rights scholars wrote to UEFA urging the suspension of Israel and the Israeli Clubs. The letter, which was sent to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on Thursday, made reference to the finding by the United Nations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
They letter urged action as “imperative” and accused Israel of its bombing campaign destroying Palestinian sport. The letter provided data from the authors that at least 421 Palestinian footballers have been killed since October 2023.
While states throughout Gaza have been destroyed along with its stadiums and training facilities, and stated that “to these acts, an entire generation of athletes has been decimated.” The signatories also stated that the Israel Football Association’s silence on the consequences of the war on sporting activities of the football community makes its participation in UEFA competitions “tenable.”
The letter was signed by former experts from the United Nations and Elisa von Joeden-Forgey, the head of the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention. They stated that merely allowing Israel to compete basically serves as “sports-washing” international crimes and violations of international legal obligations.
Human rights organizations have observable, grave precedents. In 1961, FIFA suspended apartheid South Africa, and after the invasion of Ukraine, FIFA, and UEFA together suspended Russia from FIFA competitions immediately. Craig Mokhiber, a former United Nations official stated to Al Jazeera. That not acting against Israel constitutes “a stunning level of hypocrisy and double standards.”
The letter also said to UEFA that football has become a target in Gaza. The Palestinian football legend Suleiman al-Obeid, sometimes called the “Palestinian Pelé,” was killed by an Israeli airstrike in August. Soon after, UEFA posted a tribute, when faced consulting Liverpool football star Mohamed Salah. Who hashtagged UEFA asking why it did not acknowledge the involvement of Israel in Suleiman’s death.
Public pressure on UEFA is also intensifying. Fans across Europe, from Glasgow to Paris and Rome, have been waving Palestinian flags during matches despite restrictions in place. Organizations such as Game Over Israel are organizing campaigns to suspend Israel, including a billboard in Times Square proclaiming: “Israel is committing genocide. Soccer federations — Boycott Israel.”
The BBC has reported that UEFA was preparing to vote on Israel’s suspension before they delayed any decision when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in Gaza. Critics argue the ceasefire proposal undermines international law and does not hold Israel accountable for occupation or genocide.
Amnesty International is also involved, Calling for FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel. Secretary General Agnes Callamard noted that while Israel is preparing for World Cup qualifiers. It continues to commit genocide against Palestinians and further expand illegal settlements.
Despite public pressure, FIFA president Gianni Infantino seems hesitant to act, stating that football “cannot solve geopolitical problems.” However, advocates for human rights, who are calling for a suspension of Israel. Argue that history has demonstrated that sports can take a stance against human rights violations. Using boycotts as an example against apartheid.
The discussion is really beginning to escalate about whether Israel has a place in world football. As protests continue to expand across Europe. UEFA will be faced with the question of whether the world of sport can stay neutral in the face of genocide.
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