FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted that world football’s governing body “cannot solve geopolitical problems” as pressure grows for Israel to be banned from international competitions., Afrosport reports.
A recent United Nations inquiry blamed Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, prompting renewed calls for FIFA and UEFA to suspend the nation.
The matter was not officially on the agenda at the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday, but Infantino addressed it in his opening remarks.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity,” the 55-year-old said.
“FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
Infantino’s comments follows those of FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani, who stressed that any decision lies with UEFA.
“First and foremost, [Israel] is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason,” he said on Wednesday. “They have to deal with that,”
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have urged both FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from competitions.
Israel are currently competing in the European World Cup qualifiers, sitting third in Group I after five matches. Their national side face Norway in Oslo on Saturday, 11 October, before travelling to Udine to play Italy on 14 October.
Meanwhile, Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv continue to compete in the Europa League.
