Craig Foster, revered as both a former Australian football player and captain, has penned a compelling plea urging the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) and Football Australia to advocate for Israel’s exclusion from the FIFA Congress slated in Thailand from May 13th to 17th, 2024.
Foster’s poignant letter highlights the atrocities witnessed in Israel, including recent genocides and kidnappings, which have deeply unsettled the Australian conscience.
Drawing upon FIFA’s mandate outlined in Article 3 of its statutes, Foster emphasizes the organization’s broad obligations to uphold internationally recognized human rights, extending particularly to situations of armed conflict.
Moreover, Foster underscores the stark pronouncements of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which have condemned the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Palestine, calling on Israel to cease acts of aggression outlined in the Convention.
Despite the ICJ’s mandates for the provision of humanitarian aid, Foster laments Israel’s non-compliance, a blatant violation of humanitarian law that has led to devastating loss of life, including among Palestinian footballers.
Echoing the sentiments of 12 nations from the WAFF, Foster urges FIFA to heed the call for Israel’s suspension from football activities until hostilities cease, citing precedents such as the suspension of Russia and South Africa for egregious violations.
In a resolute conclusion, Foster implores FIFA to support the Palestine Football Association’s urgent appeal and to communicate Australia’s unwavering support for the suspension of Israel from international competitions until all ICJ orders are fully complied with.
Credit Photo : SBS
