FIFA Rejects Calls to Ban Israel from World Cup – Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the world football governing body will not ban Israel from World Cup participation, despite growing pressure following accusations of genocide in Gaza.

A United Nations commission recently concluded that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In response, UEFA had considered excluding Israel from European competitions, but the plan was shelved amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative to resolve the conflict.

“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today,” Infantino said on Thursday after a FIFA council meeting.

“The most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity. FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”

Infantino, a known ally of Trump, also acknowledged the toll of war: “I suffer when I see children suffer. I cry when I see mothers crying, whether it’s in Gaza… anywhere in the world.”

The FIFA position stands in contrast to Russia’s ongoing ban from global competitions over its invasion of Ukraine.

UEFA had weighed convening an emergency meeting to discuss Israel’s suspension, but the idea has been put on hold. Several European teams, however, have expressed reluctance to play against Israeli sides, who currently sit third in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers.

Trump’s peace plan, backed by eight nations, proposes Gaza’s demilitarisation and redevelopment, with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair set to join a transitional “Board of Peace” if Hamas accepts the deal.

Israel, a UEFA member since 1984, has long drawn criticism over its participation in European competitions. At the UEFA Super Cup Final, fans displayed a banner reading: “Stop Killing Children, Stop Killing Civilians.”

According to Sky News, a spokesperson from U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s State Department stressed: “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.”