Desk Report:
The demand to isolate Israel from competitive football has been met. In the meantime, Turkey has sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA to ban them (Israel). A final decision may come very soon.
Turkey’s local media outlet Anadolu Agency confirmed last night that Turkey had sent a letter. Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoğlu wrote a letter to FIFA, UEFA and the heads of national football bodies demanding a ban on Israel. In the letter, Haciosmanoğlu wrote, “Despite claiming to be the protector of civilizational values and peace, football bodies have been silent for a long time. We are expressing our concern due to the persecution of our own emotions. Because Israel’s activities in and around Gaza are inhumane. These actions are completely unacceptable.”
The war began in October 2023 after Hamas attacked southern Israel. Israel then launched a military operation in Gaza. The nearly two-year-long campaign has killed 66,000 people, according to media reports. Haciosmanoglu said in the letter, “The situation has been dire for a long time. But recently, the intervention of various institutions has made it urgent.”
European media reported that UEFA may issue a temporary suspension order to Israel from its tournament next week. However, the US government has said that any attempt to ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup will not succeed. The 23rd World Cup will be held next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 48 teams will participate in this world football tournament. However, if UEFA wants to ban Israel, it will need FIFA approval. Earlier, FIFA and UEFA jointly decided to ban Russia from football in 2022. This time, a group of 48 athletes jointly signed the letter that Turkey sent to ban Israel.
