UN Experts Urge FIFA, UEFA To Suspend Israel as Protests Spread to European Stadiums
A group of United Nations special rapporteurs has called on the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to suspend Israel from international football, accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza.
In a statement issued Thursday, eight independent experts mandated by the UN Human Rights Council said, “Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual. National teams representing States that commit massive human rights violations can and should be suspended.” They argued that barring Israel’s national and club sides was “a necessary response” following findings from the UN’s Commission of Inquiry, which last week alleged genocide in Gaza. Neither the rapporteurs nor the commission formally speaks for the United Nations.
Israel has categorically denied the charges, insisting its military campaign began in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre inside Israel and that Hamas’ embedding its infrastructure in civilian areas has placed Gazans in harm’s way.
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The renewed push for sanctions has intensified pressure on European football’s governing bodies. UEFA and FIFA have so far rejected earlier calls to expel Israeli teams, but officials privately acknowledge discussions are taking place. No formal decision has been announced.
For now, UEFA and FIFA remain silent on the latest appeal from the UN experts.
Meanwhile, the issue spilled onto the pitch in Thessaloniki on Wednesday. Supporters of Greek club PAOK booed Maccabi Tel Aviv players during their Europa League match, waved Palestinian flags, and displayed a banner reading “Show Israel the red card.” The game ended 0-0, and police detained several demonstrators outside the stadium. Roughly 120 Israeli fans were kept under a cordon while Maccabi’s team bus received a police escort.
