More than 70 athletes have called on UEFA to suspend Israel from football over human rights abuses in Gaza. The appeal comes amid growing pressure on UEFA and FIFA to act against Israel. The letter claims Israel’s participation in sports normalizes “genocide, apartheid, and crimes against humanity.”
The letter was organized by campaign groups Game Over Israel and Athletes 4 Peace. Signatories include French World Cup winner Paul Pogba, Dutch forward Anwar El Ghazi, Moroccan player Hakim Ziyech, and Spanish winger Adama Traore. It argues that Israel’s football teams, including those from occupied settlements, violate international law.
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Campaigners said UEFA’s funding and support of Israeli teams may make it complicit in these violations. Ashish Prashar, Game Over Israel director, criticized UEFA for pausing its vote to suspend Israel after a US-brokered ceasefire in October. Human rights organizations, including the Hind Rajab Foundation and Gaza Tribunal, also endorsed the call.
The petition continues a broader campaign urging UEFA to act. Earlier, the Football Association of Ireland voted to request Israel’s immediate suspension. Similar calls came from Turkish and Norwegian football authorities, as well as United Nations experts citing a report on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
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Israel has denied genocide claims, calling the UN report “scandalous.” Meanwhile, activists argue sports bodies must take “collective conscientious action” to prevent the normalization of human rights violations. UEFA has not announced a timeline for any new decision.