FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized that football cannot resolve geopolitical crises, as pressure mounts for the global body to suspend Israel following the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
In a statement issued after the FIFA Council meeting, Infantino underlined the importance of promoting peace and unity, particularly in light of the situation in Gaza.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football as a bridge to unite people in a divided world. We stand with those who suffer from conflicts around the globe, and the most important message football can deliver right now is one of peace and unity,” said Infantino.
He further stressed that while FIFA has no capacity to resolve political conflicts, it has a clear responsibility to continue developing football worldwide by upholding values of unity, education, culture, and humanity.
The debate has drawn comparisons with 2022, when FIFA suspended Russia immediately after its invasion of Ukraine, just four years after hosting the FIFA World Cup. That decision set a precedent, and critics are now questioning FIFA’s consistency in handling current conflicts.
For now, Infantino maintained that FIFA’s mission remains focused on using football as a platform for solidarity rather than political sanction.
Credit Photo : FIFA
