Fifa president Gianni Infantino has insisted that football’s governing body “cannot solve geopolitical problems” as pressure grows on international sporting authorities to sanction Israel.
Calls for action have intensified following a United Nations commission of inquiry last month, which concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza — a claim Israel has strongly denied as “distorted and false,” arguing its actions are acts of self-defence.
Israel’s participation in international football was not listed as a formal item on Thursday’s Fifa Council meeting agenda in Zurich, but Infantino addressed the matter in his opening remarks.
“Our thoughts are with those suffering in conflicts around the world today,” said the 55-year-old Italian. “The most important message football can convey right now is one of peace and unity. Fifa cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football globally by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
Infantino later revealed he had met with Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub, praising the PFA’s “resilience” and reiterating Fifa’s commitment to using football as a force for unity.
Israel’s national team is currently competing in European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, while Maccabi Tel Aviv are playing in the Europa League.
Amnesty International has urged both Fifa and Uefa to suspend the Israeli Football Association, a call echoed by UN human rights experts, who said: “Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual.”
Fifa vice-president Victor Montagliani stressed on Wednesday that responsibility for any decision rests with Uefa, under whose jurisdiction Israel competes. “First and foremost, [Israel] is a member of Uefa,” he said. “They have to deal with that.”
Israel currently sit third in their qualifying group, six points adrift of leaders Norway. The group winners advance directly to the World Cup, while runners-up enter the play-offs.
The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada. The US government has already stated it will oppose any attempt to bar Israel from competing.
