Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba is spearheading a major campaign by more than 70 international sports figures, calling on UEFA to immediately suspend Israel from all European football competitions. The demand comes amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and follows a United Nations commission of inquiry's conclusion that Israel has committed acts of genocide against Palestinians.
The Athletes' Demand and Key Signatories
The group, Athletes 4 Peace, has delivered a formal letter to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, expressing profound disturbance at the governing body's failure to take moral action. The letter states there should be 'no shared venue, stage, or arena in international civil society' for a regime accused of such severe crimes.
Paul Pogba, the 32-year-old midfielder now with Monaco after an 18-month doping ban, is the most prominent signatory. His support for Palestine is not new; in 2021, he and teammate Amad Diallo waved the Palestinian flag on the pitch to protest bombardments on Gaza. Other high-profile footballers endorsing the letter include Fulham's Adama Traore and Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad. Former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has also added his name to the growing list.
Mounting International Pressure and UEFA's Stance
The push for a ban is gaining significant international traction. In September, the Turkish Football Federation demanded action, and Ireland's FA recently voted with a clear majority to submit a formal motion to UEFA. The Irish motion, proposed by club Bohemians, accuses the Israel Football Association of two specific violations: organising clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without consent and failing to enforce an effective anti-racism policy.
Despite this pressure, UEFA's president, Aleksander Ceferin, placed a potential ban on hold at the end of September. This decision coincided with a peace plan proposal for the region from former US President Donald Trump. The Athletes 4 Peace letter was co-signed by pro-Palestine groups like Game Over Israel, which recently lobbied against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a controversial Europa League match against Aston Villa.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on UEFA's executive committee, which is scheduled to meet on December 3 in Nyon, Switzerland. This meeting could see a decisive vote on Israel's future in international football. Meanwhile, the Israeli national team is set to complete its World Cup qualifying campaign with a match against Moldova on November 16. The team is already out of contention for automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament.
In a contrasting stance, FIFA president Gianni Infantino hinted in October that football's global governing body is unlikely to sanction Israel. He emphasised that while FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, it must promote football's unifying and humanitarian values. The stage is now set for a critical decision that pits sporting governance against mounting calls for political and ethical accountability.
