FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed on Thursday that the world football governing body has no mandate or capacity to “solve geopolitical problems,” at a time when the organization is under increasing pressure from athletes, federations, and political bodies to take action regarding Israel’s participation in international competitions.

The comments came during an opening speech at a FIFA meeting in Zurich, with Infantino addressing the mounting calls for Israel to be suspended from global football in light of the war in the Gaza Strip. Several groups have drawn parallels with the case of Russia, which was swiftly banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. Critics argue that the same principles should now apply to Israel, which stands accused by a panel of UN experts of committing “genocide” in Gaza.

Infantino, however, emphasized that FIFA’s role is not to pass judgment on international conflicts or enforce political measures. Instead, he stressed the importance of football as a bridge between communities. “Our thoughts are with those suffering in the various conflicts currently taking place around the world, and the most important message football can convey right now is one of peace and unity,” Infantino said. “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football worldwide through its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values.”

The FIFA president’s remarks reflect the delicate balance the organization must strike. While the governing body has often insisted that sport and politics should remain separate, recent history shows that FIFA and UEFA have not been immune to political pressures. Russia’s exclusion from the World Cup qualifiers and European competitions was a clear example of football responding decisively to international events, raising questions about why Israel is being treated differently.

Pressure has been mounting in recent weeks. Several football federations, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, have voiced their opposition to Israel’s continued participation. Prominent athletes have also taken to social media and open letters demanding consistency from FIFA and UEFA. Meanwhile, fan groups across Europe have staged protests at matches, with banners calling for the suspension of Israel, adding to the visibility of the issue.

The United Nations has also entered the debate. Earlier this week, UN experts released a report concluding that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, citing civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and humanitarian crises. Following the report, the UN appealed directly to UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel, arguing that the global football community must uphold its commitment to human rights and equality.

Infantino, however, stopped short of addressing the specific demands for suspension, framing FIFA’s role as a unifying force rather than an arbitrator of geopolitical disputes. His comments suggest that, for now, FIFA intends to leave the matter largely in UEFA’s hands, given that Israel is a member of the European confederation.

That stance was reinforced on Wednesday by FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani, who stated plainly that the decision rests with UEFA. “They are a member of UEFA, so it’s up to them to deal with it,” Montagliani remarked. His words highlighted FIFA’s reluctance to intervene directly and pointed to the governing body’s preference for confederations to handle disputes involving their members.

The debate over Israel’s participation comes at a sensitive time for global football. On the one hand, the sport is seen as a universal language capable of fostering dialogue and peace. On the other, the expectation that governing bodies must take moral and political stands has grown significantly in recent years. Cases involving Russia, South Africa during apartheid, and even the ongoing discussions around hosting rights in countries accused of human rights violations show how deeply intertwined football has become with international politics.

For Israel, the stakes are high. Suspension would not only bar its national teams from competitions such as the World Cup and the European Championship but also prevent its clubs from participating in continental tournaments like the Champions League and Europa League. Such a move would deal a significant blow to Israeli football, both financially and symbolically.

For FIFA and Infantino, the challenge lies in navigating a path that maintains the sport’s credibility while avoiding becoming a direct actor in international conflicts. The president’s insistence on focusing on football’s cultural and humanitarian values reflects an attempt to position FIFA above the political fray. Yet, as critics have pointed out, football does not exist in a vacuum, and decisions   or lack thereof   inevitably carry political weight.

As the war in Gaza continues and calls for action grow louder, FIFA’s cautious stance will remain under scrutiny. For now, Infantino has made it clear that FIFA will not take unilateral action against Israel, instead reaffirming its mission to “use the power of football to unite people in a divided world.” Whether that position will hold under mounting international and domestic pressure is a question that could shape not only FIFA’s credibility but also the broader relationship between global sport and politics.

  • Top Countries
  • Around the web
Jürgen Klopp: I don’t miss being in the dressing room, it smells bad

Jürgen Klopp: I don’t miss being in the dressing room, it smells bad

Jürgen Klopp explains on Diary of a CEO that he would only return to England for Liverpool but does not miss the day to day grind of coaching, offering insight into his priorities, leadership style, and why any comeback would depend on timing, people, and purpose.

More worries for Slot, Gravenberch misses Liverpool training

More worries for Slot, Gravenberch misses Liverpool training

Ryan Gravenberch missed Liverpool’s final training session on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. The Dutch midfielder picked up an ankle injury on Sunday during the Premier League showdown against Manchester United.

Kompany is not done in Germany and extends his contract with Bayern

Kompany is not done in Germany and extends his contract with Bayern

Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich are eager to continue working together. The Belgian coach has extended his contract with Der Rekordmeister until mid-2029.

Duel monster De Ligt showed against Liverpool why he plays every game this season

Duel monster De Ligt showed against Liverpool why he plays every game this season

The English media are full of praise for Matthijs de Ligt after the league match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. The Dutch international, especially in the first half, proved to be unbeatable and later in the game saw his fellow defender Harry Maguire score the winner.

Brazilian icon lashes out at Neymar:  Useless and no longer a role model

Brazilian icon lashes out at Neymar: 'Useless and no longer a role model'

Brazilian legend Emerson Leão has spoken out strongly about Neymar’s situation, who has been injured for weeks and whose career, according to him, is past its peak. The former goalkeeper, world champion in 1970, openly doubts whether the star forward can still play a meaningful role at the 2026 World Cup.

Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna s coach, has been hospitalized

Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna's coach, has been hospitalized

Bologna confirms that head coach Vincenzo Italiano is in hospital with bacterial pneumonia, is responding to antibiotic treatment, and is expected to stay under observation for around five days, with staff ensuring operational continuity until his safe return.

Tebas won’t give up on a LaLiga game abroad: We will keep trying

Tebas won’t give up on a LaLiga game abroad: We will keep trying

The LaLiga president lamented that the match between Villarreal and Barcelona, scheduled for December 21, will no longer take place in the United States following protests from fans and teams in that league.

Gnabry will also miss Bayern’s match against Brugge

Gnabry will also miss Bayern’s match against Brugge

Before the Champions League match against Brugge, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany doesn’t need to make major changes to his starting lineup.

Müller leaves his future role at Bayern open

Müller leaves his future role at Bayern open

Thomas Müller is putting aside any thoughts of a possible return to Bayern Munich as an official or coach for now. However, his recent statements leave all options open.

Liverpool’s travel mishap and an absence that hits Slot hard

Liverpool’s travel mishap and an absence that hits Slot hard

Liverpool FC had a bumpy journey to Frankfurt on Tuesday. Even without a press conference, Arne Slot spoke about a painful absence and the Eintracht fans.

Odd:1.38