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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that football cannot be used to resolve international disputes, rejecting calls to suspend Israel from competitions over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"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 said.
His remarks came during a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, as human rights groups and a United Nations commission of inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
Infantino said the organization’s responsibility was limited to promoting football. He stressed that the sport’s role is to promote peace and unity rather than address political disputes.
"At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world," he said.
"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," he said.
Infantino later held talks in Zurich with Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). Rajoub also met International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry in Lausanne the previous day.
On social media, Infantino commended the PFA chief for what he described as resilience, though neither FIFA’s statement nor his post made reference to Israel or its football federation.
Amnesty International has urged both FIFA, which organizes the World Cup, and UEFA, the governing body of European football, to suspend the Israeli Football Association. A panel of UN human rights experts also called on international sports organizations to take action, stating, "Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual."
FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani emphasized that the decision rested with UEFA, since Israel participates in European competitions. "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. They have to deal with that," he said.
Israel’s national team is currently competing in UEFA’s World Cup qualifying rounds for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The team is third in its group with nine points, six behind leaders Norway. The top team qualifies directly for the finals, while the second-placed side advances to play-offs.
Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv is also competing in the UEFA Europa League.
The United States government has pledged to oppose any attempts to exclude Israel from international football.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration reiterated that commitment in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, which will take place on North American soil.
The debate has drawn comparisons with FIFA’s 2022 suspension of Russia, which was banned from international competitions after its invasion of Ukraine. Critics, including Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness, argue that similar standards should apply to Israel.
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