FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said that world football’s governing body “cannot solve geopolitical problems,” as growing pressure mounts on international sporting authorities to suspend Israel from competition.
His comments follow a recent United Nations commission of inquiry, which concluded that Israel has committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The report alleged that four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law had been carried out since the war began in 2023. Israel has rejected the findings, describing them as “distorted and false,” and insists its actions are a matter of self-defence.
At a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday, the issue of Israel’s participation was not formally placed on the agenda, but Infantino acknowledged the controversy during his opening remarks.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts around the world today. 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 globally by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
Despite calls from Amnesty International and a panel of UN human rights experts urging FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel’s national team, the country continues to compete in international competitions. Israel’s men’s national team is currently involved in UEFA World Cup qualifiers, while Maccabi Tel Aviv are playing in the Europa League.
FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani stressed on Wednesday that UEFA must take responsibility for addressing the issue:
“First and foremost, [Israel] is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region. They have to deal with that,” he said.
Israel are currently third in their qualifying group, six points behind leaders Norway. The top team in each group qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup, while runners-up enter play-offs. The tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Meanwhile, the US government has vowed to oppose any attempts to block Israel’s participation. Former President Donald Trump’s administration had previously declared support for Israel’s continued involvement in FIFA competitions.
Calls for suspension continue to intensify, with critics insisting that football cannot operate as “business as usual” amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, FIFA has signaled that its role remains limited to promoting football and fostering unity rather than intervening in geopolitical disputes.
