FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized that the global world-cup-knockout-clash-was-suspended-for-over-2-hours/” title=”Why Chelsea vs Benfica Club … Cup Knockout Clash Was Suspended for Over 2 Hours”>football authority is not equipped to resolve geopolitical conflicts, despite increasing demands to exclude Israel from international tournaments due to the ongoing Gaza war.
Following a FIFA Council session on Thursday, Infantino highlighted that the organisation’s mission is to foster unity rather than deepen divisions.
“Football has the unique ability to bring people together in a world often marked by division,” he remarked. “Our hearts go out to those affected by the numerous conflicts worldwide, and the foremost message football can deliver at this moment is one of harmony and solidarity.”
He further explained, “While FIFA cannot intervene in political disputes, it has a responsibility to advance the sport globally by embracing football’s power to unite, educate, and promote cultural and humanitarian values.”
These comments arise amid growing calls for FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international play, a stance reminiscent of the 2022 ban on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Russia was excluded despite having hosted the World Cup just four years prior.
Earlier this year, FIFA initiated a legal examination of a Palestinian request to suspend Israel over the Gaza crisis, indicating that the issue is actively being considered within the organisation’s decision-making processes.
Nonetheless, Infantino refrained from indicating that such sanctions are imminent. Instead, he reiterated football’s role as a beacon of hope during turbulent periods: “The most vital message football can share today is one of peace and unity.”
