Independent United Nations experts have called on UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel from all international football competitions, citing alleged human rights violations in Gaza.
In a joint statement, three UN special rapporteurs and members of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights argued that excluding Israel would be consistent with precedents such as Russia’s suspension following its invasion of Ukraine. They stressed that any measures should target the state, not individual players.
The appeal comes amid mounting international pressure. Former French footballer Eric Cantona also demanded Israel’s exclusion at a recent event in London, accusing football authorities of applying «double standards» compared with Russia’s case.
The experts urged sporting bodies and national associations not to remain neutral, arguing that silence would amount to complicity in alleged violations of international law.
UEFA and FIFA have not yet commented on the UN experts’ call.
