Sports figures call for Israel’s suspension from international competitions
A group of fifty athletes, including soccer players, coaches, and athletes from various disciplines, have raised their voices to request UEFA to exclude Israel from international competitions. The petition is based on the actions that are occurring in Gaza. Among the signatories of the letter are Anwar El Ghazi, Cheick Doucouré, Hakim Ziyech, Sam Morsy, Nigel Pearson, Mooen Ali and Zak Chelli.The letter also pays tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, a footballer known as the “Palestinian Pelé”, who lost his life in Gaza. Mohamed Salah, a football player, expressed his concern on social media, questioning the lack of information about the death of al-Obeid.Sport cannot “remain silent when athletes and civilians, including children, are being indiscriminately massacred in Gaza”.
Excerpt from the letter
The suspension request is based on the example of Russia, which was excluded from European competitions after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. UN experts have urged FIFA and UEFA to take similar measures. Galatasaray fans showed their support for Palestine with banners in a recent Champions League match.“We ask UEFA to immediately suspend Israel from all competitions until it complies with international law and stops the killing of civilians and starvation. Sport cannot be neutral in the face of injustices. Remaining silent is accepting that some people matter less than others. We believe in justice for all nations and for everyone, justice without double standards. It is an obligation for all sports organizations to take action against sports teams representing a country that the United Nations commission has concluded is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza,” the letter states.
Fragment of the letter
