FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting peace and unity through football, while acknowledging its limitations in resolving complex geopolitical conflicts such as the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Speaking at the opening of the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Infantino addressed growing international calls to suspend the Israel Football Association amid the escalating conflict in Gaza. “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems,” Infantino stated. “But it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values.”
Infantino emphasized that the power of football lies in its ability to bring people together across divides. “At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” he said. “Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
The FIFA Council did not take any formal action regarding Israel’s participation in international competitions, despite mounting pressure from several national federations and human rights organizations. Infantino reiterated that such decisions require careful deliberation and consensus among FIFA’s member confederations.
The issue remains under legal review following a Palestinian proposal submitted earlier this year. FIFA has previously taken action in similar contexts, notably suspending Russia from international football in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.