FIFA Unlikely to Ban Israel Despite Growing Pressure

FIFA, the governing body of international football, is unlikely to take action on banning Israel from its official competitions, following comments by President Gianni Infantino.

Infantino addressed the issue vaguely during a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, stating that while football cannot solve wars, the sport must carry a message of peace and unity. His remarks come amid intensifying global calls for Israel’s suspension over genocide in Gaza.

“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino said. “Our thoughts are with those suffering in conflicts across the globe. The most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”

The FIFA chief cautioned that the organization cannot directly resolve geopolitical conflicts.

“FIFA cannot resolve these conflicts, but it can and must uphold the values of unity, culture, education, and humanity,” he added.

His statements come at a time when pressure on FIFA has mounted in recent months, particularly from Palestinian officials and human rights groups. Amnesty International has formally urged both FIFA and UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association over its role in the Gaza genocide.

The Norwegian Football Federation has also called for Israel to face the same sanctions as Russia, which was banned in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. Turkey’s football authorities have echoed that demand, while Palestinian Football Federation president Jibril Rajoub has been in Switzerland this week lobbying for action.

Despite growing calls for accountability, observers believe FIFA is unlikely to move against Israel. Infantino has cultivated close ties with US President Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Israel. The US State Department has also pledged to shield Israel’s position in global sport, further complicating any possibility of suspension.

Israel is currently competing in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and could potentially qualify for the global tournament next year.

The controversy mirrors FIFA’s 2022 decision to expel Russia from international football, a move that underscored how sport can be shaped by geopolitics. For many, the contrasting treatment of Russia and Israel highlights the double standards that continue to haunt global sport.

As Infantino reiterated his call for “peace and unity,” pressure on FIFA to move beyond statements and take decisive action remains strong. For Palestinians, and for fans across the Muslim world, football is once again caught in the storm of politics, a stage where the world’s most popular game cannot entirely escape the weight of global conflict.