A group of United Nations experts recently urged FIFA and UEFA to bar Israel from global sports competitions. They argue that such an action is a “necessary response” to address what they describe as an “ongoing genocide” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory amidst the Israel-Hamas War.
The experts clarified that any suspension should apply to state teams rather than individual athletes, to avoid discrimination based on nationality. Currently, Israel`s men`s national team is participating in UEFA`s World Cup qualification tournament for the 2026 World Cup, and Maccabi Tel Aviv is competing in this season`s UEFA Europa League.
“Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual,” the experts declared in a statement. They further stressed that “Sporting bodies must not turn a blind eye to grave human rights violations, especially when their platforms are used to normalize injustices.”
This call for a ban follows the conclusion of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, which wrapped up ahead of recent UN General Assembly meetings. The experts contend that FIFA and UEFA have both a moral and legal obligation to act, based on international human rights law and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
They further 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.” The experts also voiced support for “calls for action that aim to encourage the implementation of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice and impose consequences on the State of Israel for breaching international law.”
Eight United Nations experts are cited in this call to action: Alexandra Xanthaki (Special Rapporteur in cultural rights), K.P. Ashwini (Special Rapporteur on racism and related intolerance), Francesca Albanese (Special Rapporteur on human rights in 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 latest to advocate for Israel`s suspension due to its conduct during the Israel-Hamas War. Such a measure would not be without precedent: both FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia in February 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, a ban that remains in effect. Additionally, FIFA has previously banned the Congolese Football Federation for third-party interference and the Pakistan Football Federation for constitutional issues hindering fair elections.
While neither FIFA nor UEFA has initiated formal proceedings for a ban, multiple reports suggest that UEFA could reach a decision as early as next week. According to The Times, European football`s governing body is expected to convene an emergency committee meeting, where a majority of members reportedly favor suspending Israel. Should UEFA proceed with a ban, it would be sufficient to remove Israel from European World Cup qualification, even without a parallel decision from FIFA.
In contrast, the U.S. State Department publicly supported Israel, 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 is currently scheduled to play its next World Cup qualifier on October 11 against Norway. The Norwegian Football Federation has already pledged to donate profits from this match to Doctors Without Borders. Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv commenced their Europa League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Greece`s PAOK – a match notable for fan protests against Israel`s participation in international soccer. They are set to resume Europa League play on Thursday at home against Dinamo Zagreb.
FIFA has received numerous requests over the years to suspend Israel from international competition. A significant plea came from the Palestinian Football Association at the annual FIFA Congress in May 2024, the first such meeting since the Israel-Hamas War began in October 2023. At that time, FIFA committed to obtaining independent legal advice. In October 2024, FIFA announced the initiation of two investigations: one into the PFA`s allegations of discrimination by the Israel Football Association, and another addressing claims that Israeli teams operate in Palestinian territory.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 65,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, although the count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The United Nations regards these figures as the most reliable estimate of casualties during the war.
