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Türkiye Football Federation (TFF) president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu has called on FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from all sporting competitions. In a letter sent to FIFA, UEFA, and football federation presidents worldwide, Haciosmanoglu urged immediate sanctions.
“Despite presenting themselves as defenders of civilized values and peace, the sports world and football institutions have remained silent for far too long. It is time for FIFA and UEFA to act. Israel must be banned from all sporting competitions immediately,” he said.
Reports suggest that most member federations are in favor of Israel’s exclusion, with only a handful opposing the measure. Meanwhile, the Israel Football Association has been lobbying UEFA officials and using diplomatic channels to prevent the proposal from advancing to a formal vote.
Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona also joined the calls, urging FIFA and UEFA to treat Israel as they did Russia. Speaking at the Together for Palestine concert in London, Cantona drew parallels with UEFA’s suspension of Russian teams in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
“Four days after Russia started the war in Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia. We are now 716 days into what Amnesty International has called a genocide. And yet, Israel continues to be allowed to participate,” Cantona said.
Amsterdam resolution targets Israeli Clubs
In the Netherlands, the Amsterdam City Council voted 42–9 to bar sports clubs from countries “contributing to occupation or racism.” The resolution specifically named Israeli sides Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, citing their association with anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian actions.
The council called on FIFA to remove Israeli clubs based in illegal settlements from international competitions. The decision followed violent incidents during Ajax’s Europa League clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Nov. 7, 2024, when Israeli fans were accused of removing Palestinian flags and attacking Arab taxi drivers. Several arrests were made, and Amsterdam’s mayor vowed not to welcome Maccabi supporters again.
UEFA is now expected to evaluate whether Israeli clubs should be excluded from its tournaments amid growing criticism of their activities linked to the Gaza conflict.
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