FIFA silent on calls to ban Israel: ‘Solving political issues is not football’s job,’ says Infantino

 Staff Reporter | PNN:

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, there have been global calls to ban Israeli football teams from international competitions. However, FIFA, the world’s governing body of football, has been reluctant to get involved in the political controversy. At a FIFA Executive Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday, October 2, FIFA President Gianni Infantino clearly stated that “solving geopolitical problems is not FIFA’s responsibility.”

Infantino added, “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems. However, it is FIFA’s duty to advance the game worldwide by promoting football’s unity, education, culture, and humanitarian values.”

Although FIFA’s press release did not explicitly mention Israel, Infantino addressed his 37-member council on the importance of promoting peace and unity in light of the current situation in Gaza. After the meeting, FIFA did not hold a press conference, and Infantino did not speak directly to journalists.

Meanwhile, Norway and several other European football federations have already urged UEFA to ban Israeli teams from international football. Turkey’s football federation has made a similar appeal to both FIFA and UEFA.

By emphasizing the advancement of football worldwide without creating political complications, FIFA’s president indicated that the organization will not take a strong stance on this sensitive political issue for now. It is noteworthy that Israel is scheduled to play against Norway and Italy in the World Cup qualifying matches on October 11 and 14, respectively.