“Football as a vehicle for peace”- FIFA President Gianni Infantino issues statement on Israel-Palestine conflict

The letter written to Shino Moshe Zuares was made public.

“Football as a vehicle for peace”- FIFA President Gianni Infantino issues statement on Israel-Palestine conflict

Gianni Infantino. (Source: via Reuters)

FIFA’s President, Gianni Infantino, is urging peace. He sent a letter to the Israeli and Palestinian football associations, hoping to stop the fighting. He believes that football can help make peace.

This letter, given to the Israeli Football Association’s President, Shino Moshe Zuares, on October 13th, begins with FIFA expressing sympathy for the terrible violence of the past days. It states, “The football world stands with the people of Israel and Palestine, and with all the innocent victims who suffered.” Following this, FIFA calls for an end to the conflicts and immediate relief for the victims.

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FIFA described football as a ‘vehicle of peace’ stating, “Eventually, reconciliation, even when this may have seemed impossible to all but a few.” With companies the size of Microsoft and Google remaining quiet on the topic, and an issue that dates back centuries, FIFA’s hopes may be too farfetched. 

FS Video

UEFA has currently postponed Israel’s Euros qualification fixtures against Switzerland and Kosova due to Israeli authorities not allowing their National Team to travel abroad.

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FIFA’s neutral stance proved harmful to the England FA

Gianni Infantino’s letter written to both Israeli and Palestine Football Associations showcased a neutral stance in the eyes of the public. As of now, the President has not faced public backlash. The England FA, on the other hand, is facing football fans’ heat after which they decided to opt against lighting the Wembley Arch in the colors of Israel.

Wembley Arch
Wembley Arch (Source: via FA)

In a press conference, before the game against Australia, England Manager Gareth Southgate was questioned on the issue. He expressed that the FA has been left in a tough spot stating, “The FA will have tried to do the right thing.” However, the sentiment was not shared by all. Chair of the Football Association’s Faith in Football group, Rabbi Alex Goldberg resigned from his post following the Wembley Arch debacle.

Meanwhile, the fans mostly have shared the same feeling of disgust against the football players who have shown their stand toward Israel. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thibaut Courtois are the big names to have come under fans’ radars.

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