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A controversy stemmed from a recent UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry report, released on September 16, 2025, which reportedly concluded that Israel’s military operations in Gaza constitute genocide, citing four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law. The report, which Israel’s foreign ministry has reportedly dismissed as “distorted and false,” has fueled calls for action against the country in international sports. A panel of eight UN human rights experts, independent of any government, reportedly urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel’s national team, arguing that “sporting bodies must not turn a blind eye to grave human rights violations, especially when their platforms are used to normalize injustices”. They emphasized that any suspension should target the state, not individual players, to avoid discrimination based on nationality.
Amid the call to ban Israel from international sporting events, the United States government has reportedly pledged to oppose any attempts to ban Israel from participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. A report by BBC revealed that a U.S. State Department spokesperson said, “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.” The report from the United Nations has reportedly prompted calls from UN experts and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for sporting sanctions against the Israeli national football team. It is also said that the spokesperson declined to elaborate on whether the U.S. has already engaged with FIFA or UEFA to counter these efforts, but the statement signals a proactive approach to ensuring Israel’s participation.
Spanish PM Pedro Sanches drew parallels with Russia’s suspension from FIFA and UEFA following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reportedly advocated for Israel to be barred from international sports competitions, drawing parallels with Russia’s suspension from FIFA and UEFA events following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He stated, “Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image,” Reports claim that Sanchez declared, highlighting what he perceives as a double standard in global sports governance. Reports also indicate that Spain, a football powerhouse, has threatened to boycott the FIFA World Cup 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete.
UEFA, which organizes Israel’s World Cup qualifying matches, is reportedly under increasing pressure to act. Reports claim that a vote to suspend Israel could be on the horizon, potentially at an executive committee meeting as early as next week, though UEFA has stated that no such meeting is currently scheduled. Israel’s national team is currently third in their UEFA World Cup qualifying group with nine points, trailing leaders Norway and level with Italy, with crucial matches against Norway on October 11 and Italy on October 14 looming. FIFA, the global governing body for football, faces a delicate situation. While UEFA organizes European qualifiers, the World Cup is a FIFA tournament, and any decision to ban Israel would require FIFA’s approval.
