In a recent FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed the importance of football as a tool for peace and unity, especially in the current context in Gaza. During the meeting, the ongoing dialogue with the presidents of the confederations on this topic was highlighted.
Infantino stressed that, although FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, it can and must promote football globally, taking advantage of its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values.At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to unite people in a divided world. Our thoughts are with those suffering in the numerous conflicts that exist today around the world, and the most important message that football can convey at this time is that of peace and unity.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
Decisions about the Federation of Israel
In the same meeting, the FIFA Council did not take any action against the Football Federation of Israel. This decision comes after the request of the Palestinian Federation and a group of UN experts, including the rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, who called for the suspension of the Israeli selection from international competitions. The argument for this request was based on the response to the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory. The FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President, Victor Montagliani, had already stated that no action would be taken against Israel, recalling that the Israeli Federation is a member of UEFA. Israel is currently participating in the qualification phase for the 2026 World Cup. The team is in third position in Group I, with nine points after five matches, behind Norway and Italy. Your next matches will be against Norway and Italy.Dialogue about the balance between clubs and national teams
FIFA reported on an update related to public attacks, legal challenges, and the lack of transparency in the relationships between stakeholders in professional football. According to the organization, the motivations of certain organizations are outside the established pyramidal model that supports club football and national teams. The FIFA Council acknowledged that this poses a threat to the global structure of football and reiterated the need for unity in the face of these challenges. Infantino assured that FIFA will continue to promote dialogue to protect players, find a balance between club and national team football, and improve the future of the sport. In the meeting, members were appointed to the Standing Committees for the period 2025-2029. These committees will seek greater participation from member associations, confederations, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, greater female representation and technical specialization are expected in various areas relevant to football.The new Standing Committees will lead to greater participation from our Member Associations, confederations and other stakeholders in our decision-making processes, greater female representation and greater technical specialization in various areas relevant to football. FIFA will be better equipped to face the future.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
