FIFA Under Fire for Inaction against Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

Nearly six months into the war in Gaza, FIFA has remained tight-lipped and Israel is set to play Iceland in the first leg of their Euro 2024 qualifier

Palestinian football players, officials and fans are voicing their condemnation of FIFA’s inaction against Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where deaths have surpassed 31,000, according to health authorities.

Criticism has mounted against FIFA, particularly given its swift response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago. While UEFA, the governing body for European football, promptly banned Russian clubs from its tournaments, FIFA has yet to take a stance on Israel’s involvement in the conflict.

Russia and Russian football clubs were banned by FIFA from all international football activities when Russia invaded Ukraine around two years ago.

However, nearly six months into the war in Gaza, FIFA has remained tight-lipped and Israel is set to play Iceland in the first leg of their Euro 2024 qualifier.

With the match set to take place, concerns have arisen regarding the ethical implications of participating in the match. Iceland’s coach, Age Hareide, expressed reservations about playing Israel, citing the dire situation in Gaza and the ethical dilemma it presents.

“I would hesitate to play Israel because of what is going on in Gaza and because of what they have done to women, children and other innocent citizens. It shouldn’t be done, and we shouldn’t be playing this game if you ask me,” Hareide, a Norwegian, told a media outlet.

“It’s very, very difficult, and it’s difficult for me to stop thinking about these images that we see every day,” said Hareide. “If we don’t play, we will be banned and risk further punishment by not playing another member nation.”

“The loss of innocent lives, including no less than 99 footballers, and the destruction of residential units… are clear violations of international laws,” stated the Palestine Football Association in their proposal to FIFA, supported by six other member nations. The Association called on FIFA to ban Israel from the sport.

Palestinian footballer Mohammed Balah questioned FIFA’s commitment to its humanitarian and equality campaigns in light of its silence on the conflict in Gaza. Balah, who has experienced the devastation firsthand, called for solidarity from fellow players and officials.

He has relocated on several occasions, remains malnourished and has no means to leave the war-stricken strip to join his football club in Jordan.

Balah’s sentiments echo throughout Gaza, where footballers like Houssam Wadi face travel restrictions imposed by Israel, preventing them from participating in national team activities.

Balah told Al Jazeera in Gaza, that his heart aches to see players and sports staff being killed, sports facilities being destroyed and football clubs being wiped out.

“Israel destroyed my Palestinian club Al-Sadaqa, where I spent 20 years,” he added. “I am appalled, disappointed and outraged. It’s so heartbreaking.”

The Palestine Football Association’s call for action has received support beyond its borders, with Iran’s football federation also urging FIFA to suspend Israel’s football federation from all activities related to football.

In light of these developments, questions linger about FIFA’s role in addressing the political and humanitarian dimensions of the conflict in Gaza, and whether its actions align with its stated principles of fairness and equality in football.