FIFA Balances Soccer Politics Amidst Calls for Israeli Suspension

FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasized peace and unity amidst calls to suspend Israeli soccer teams. Despite pressure, FIFA refrains from diving into political issues. The organization focuses on soccer's unifying power, while the United States bolsters Israel's position in the sport.

As calls to suspend Israeli teams from international soccer competitions grow louder, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that the sport's governing body must prioritize promoting peace and unity, rather than delving into political disputes.

At a FIFA council meeting in Zurich, Infantino met with Palestinian soccer federation leader Jibril Rajoub, commending the federation's resilience. European soccer leaders initially pushed for sanctions against Israel due to the Gaza conflict, but this was paused following a peace proposal initiated by U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Infantino asserted that FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems but should champion football's unifying and humanitarian values. Meanwhile, discussions within UEFA regarding the suspension of Israeli teams seemed likely, yet faced opposition, notably from the U.S., which aims to safeguard Israel's international soccer status.

(With inputs from agencies.)