Ex-Socceroo Demands Israel Banned From FIFA World Cup
The football world’s attention shifts to the impending vote at the 74th FIFA Congress, where 211 member nations will decide on potential sanctions against Israel.
Kuwait and Jordan, along with ex-Socceroo Craig Foster, have called for sporting sanctions against Israel.
Foster, who represented Australia 29 times and captained the team, urged the FIFA Congress to support the Palestine FA’s request for Israel’s suspension.
In a post on X, Foster wrote, “As per FIFA’s statutory human rights commitments pending compliance with the ICJ (International Court of Justice) measures to prevent genocide. I support them. And call on the football community to do likewise.”
Football Australia has refrained from making any public comments regarding the discussions at the congress, including its voting stance.
A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong reiterated that while Football Australia makes its own decisions, the Australian Government does not support boycotts of Israel.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton condemned the idea of expelling Israel from FIFA, stating, “Australia should exert any influence it can to ensure such an expulsion does not occur. Sport should unite us, not divide us. It would be a shameful act to expel Israel at the FIFA Congress.”
Prince Ali of Jordan recently sent a letter to all 211 FIFA members in support of Palestine’s call.
Kuwait has also taken a strong stance, with Kuwait FA president Abdullah Al-Shaheen expressing solidarity with Palestine. “We stand with our brothers in Palestine, especially the Palestinian Football Association, on the same path. We share their destiny and wholeheartedly support the Palestinian Football Association’s project to hold the Israeli counterpart accountable for what has been described as violations of the rules and regulations of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA),” Al-Shaheen stated.
The push for sanctions against Israel is gaining momentum within the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), to which Australia belongs, as it pledges support for Palestine.
North African nations are also expected to back the move, while Europe is likely to oppose the expulsion of Israel, a UEFA member.
Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian FA, has submitted a draft resolution to the FIFA Congress, scheduled for May 17 in Thailand.
The resolution seeks to hold the Israeli Football Association accountable for its actions during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Rajoub’s proposal includes two key points: supporting sports development across Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, in accordance with FIFA regulations, and holding the Israeli Football Association accountable within FIFA.
Jewish News Channel
At JNC we pride ourselves on delivering timely and accurate reporting on a wide range of topics, from politics and religion to culture and social issues, all through the lens of Jewish identity and values. Our dedicated team of journalists and correspondents is committed to bringing you the latest developments and insights that matter most to the Jewish community.
