United Nations experts have formally requested FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international competitions. The call, made on Tuesday, argues that such an action is a “necessary response” to address the “ongoing genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” during the Israel-Hamas War.
They emphasized that any suspension should apply to national teams, not individual athletes, to prevent discrimination based on nationality. Israel`s men`s national team is currently participating in UEFA`s World Cup qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America, and Maccabi Tel Aviv recently began their UEFA Europa League campaign.
In a statement, the experts asserted that “Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual.” They added, “Sporting bodies must not turn a blind eye to grave human rights violations, especially when their platforms are used to normalize injustices.”
The proposed ban coincides with the recent conclusion of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, East Jerusalem, and Israel, which finalized its work before the UN General Assembly meetings in New York. The experts contend that FIFA and UEFA bear both a moral and legal obligation to act, based on international human rights law and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The experts stated, “They must fulfill their obligations not to provide aid or assistance that would help maintain the situation created by Israel`s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” They further expressed support for calls to implement the International Court of Justice`s Advisory Opinion and impose sanctions on Israel for breaching international law.
The appeal was made by eight UN experts, including Alexandra Xanthaki (Special Rapporteur on cultural rights), K.P. Ashwini (Special Rapporteur on racism and related intolerance), Francesca Albanese (Special Rapporteur on human rights in occupied Palestinian territory), and members of the Working Group on business and human rights: Pichamon Yeophantong (Chairperson), Damilola Olawuyi (Vice-Chairperson), Fernanda Hopenhaym, Lyra Jakulevičienė, and Robert McCorquodale.
These UN experts are the most recent voices advocating for Israel`s suspension from international football, a measure not unprecedented. Both FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia in February 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, a ban that remains in effect. Other recent suspensions include the Congolese Football Federation (due to third-party interference) and the Pakistan Football Federation (for constitutional issues preventing democratic elections), both enacted by FIFA this February.
While neither FIFA nor UEFA has initiated formal proceedings for a ban, reports indicate UEFA might decide as early as next week. The Times suggests Europe`s football governing body plans an emergency committee meeting, with a majority reportedly favoring Israel`s suspension. A UEFA ban alone would be sufficient to remove Israel from European World Cup qualification, even without FIFA`s involvement.
Conversely, the U.S. State Department declared its support for Israel on Thursday, stating to Sky News that it “will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel`s national soccer team from the World Cup.”
Israel`s next World Cup qualifier is scheduled for October 11 against Norway; the Norwegian Football Federation has pledged to donate match profits to Doctors Without Borders. Maccabi Tel Aviv began their Europa League season with a goalless draw against PAOK in Greece, where fans protested Israel`s participation. They are set to play Dinamo Zagreb at home on Thursday.
FIFA has received numerous requests to suspend Israel over the years, including a notable appeal from the Palestinian Football Association at the May 2024 FIFA Congress – the first since the Israel-Hamas War began in October 2023. At that time, FIFA committed to seeking independent legal advice. In October 2024, FIFA announced two investigations: one into the PFA`s allegations of discrimination by the Israel Football Association, and another concerning claims that Israeli teams operate on Palestinian territory.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, though a breakdown of civilians versus combatants was not provided. The United Nations regards these figures as the most reliable casualty estimates.
