FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that the world football governing body "cannot solve geopolitical problems" amid mounting calls for sanctions against Israel over the ongoing violence in Gaza, where more than 66,225 people have been killed since October 7, 2023.
Speaking on October 2, Infantino emphasized FIFA's role in promoting football worldwide through its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values. "Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity," he said.
However, critics have pointed to what they see as a double standard in FIFA's approach. In February 2022, shortly after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, FIFA suspended Russian clubs and national teams from all FIFA and UEFA competitions. "Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine," FIFA said in a statement on February 28, 2022.
While FIFA has maintained that legal grounds for action have not been met in Israel's case, it has not offered detailed explanations. This contrasts sharply with the swift and widespread sanctions Russia faced from global sports institutions and international events, including the International Olympic Committee and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Unlike Russia, Israel has not faced suspensions or bans in international sports arenas despite the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about inconsistency in the treatment of geopolitical issues within global sports governance.
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