Football Zionism: Why is Israel Treated Differently?

Ridwan Olamilekan Mustapha

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, FIFA promptly banned the Russian national team and club sides from participating in football activities. This decision, effective February 2022, was made in solidarity with Ukraine and as a condemnation of President Vladimir Putin’s actions. Concurrently, Roman Abramovich, then-owner of Chelsea Football Club, was compelled to sell the club under UK government pressure due to alleged ties with Putin and accusations of being a key financier of the Russian president. Even when FIFA lifted the ban on Russia's under-17 teams, it only allowed them to play under the name “Russian Football Union”, without flags, anthems or national team jerseys, and in neutral colors.

In contrast, FIFA’s approach to Israel raises questions of consistency. Despite longstanding allegations of atrocities against Palestinians, Israel has faced no comparable sanctions and continues to participate in FIFA-sanctioned events. This disparity has led to accusations of double standards, with FIFA’s actions appearing to favor Israel despite similarities in the underlying circumstances. The key question is: why has FIFA refrained from imposing sanctions on Israel, while swiftly penalizing Russia under similar allegations?

FIFA’s Double Standards

While FIFA remains silent, many players and clubs have shown solidarity with Palestine, and groups such as Celtic FC’s Green Brigade, have shown solidarity by displaying “Free Palestine” banners. Leicester City stars Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana (now playing for Chelsea FC) displayed the Palestinian flag during their FA Cup victory celebration, and other footballers, including Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Paul Pogba, and Sadio Mane, have voiced their support through social media posts featuring the Palestinian flag and calls to #FreePalestine. Additionally, Eric Cantona highlighted the cause by wearing a “Hoping for Palestine” T-shirt and urging donations to the Hoping Foundation.

While the Israeli men’s national football team has not qualified for an international tournament since the 1970 World Cup, it potential qualification at the Euro 2024 further comfirms the inconsistency in FIFA’s application of sanctions. as According to Katarina Pijetlovic (Head of  Palestine Football Association Legal Department) FIFA allowed Israel FA to continue using the Palestinian territory (West Bank & East Jerusalem.) as their own territory, and to use football under its umbrella as an instrument of colonial expansion. FIFA contributes to human rights abuses & facilitates illegal occupation and colonialism.

FIFA World Cup Bans: Political and Ethical Reasons

FIFA has a history of banning countries from the World Cup due to various violations:

Given how FIFA bans have been implemented over the years, it is fair to say that FIFA has not always banned teams for political reasons. Prior to their first ban in 1961, against South Africa; Nazi Germany had been permitted to participate in the 1938 World Cup. Argentina also participated in and hosted the 1978 tournament, despite its recent military takeover and the fact that the final was held near a detention centre where political detainees were tortured. Furthermore, anti-government protests in Iran prompted calls to exclude the national team from the 2022 event. It wasn't carried out. In fact, experts say that barring teams based on political actions could set a "problematic precedent," as many countries, including India and Israel, commit human rights violations.

Protests Against Israeli Teams in Europe

Tensions in Amsterdam flared up following clashes between pro-Palestinian protesters and supporters of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv ahead of their UEFA Europa League match with Ajax on November 7, 2024. The violence began when Maccabi fans tore down a Palestinian flag and chanted anti-Arab slogans, including “F*** you Palestine” and “No children left in Gaza,” while setting off flares in Dam Square. Later, they vandalized a taxi and attacked homes displaying Palestinian flags. The situation escalated further the next day as Maccabi supporters marched towards the stadium chanting offensive slogans.

Amid heightened security, the match between Ajax and Maccabi proceeded without incident, with Ajax winning 5-0. However, after the game, groups on scooters targeted Maccabi fans, prompting a police intervention and the deployment of 600 additional officers. Sixty-two individuals were arrested, with 10 remaining in custody, and dozens more fined for disturbing the peace. Local authorities imposed a temporary ban on demonstrations and enacted emergency measures, including stop-and-search powers and a face-covering ban. While five individuals were hospitalized, including some Maccabi fans, the extent of the injuries remained unclear.

International reactions were swift, with U.S. President Joe Biden condemning the attacks and the United Nations expressing shock. Meanwhile, Palestine Football Association’s Dima Said criticized the framing of the incident as anti-Semitic, instead highlighting the broader issue of Israeli clubs participating in international competitions amid ongoing violence in Gaza.

The aftermath of the clashes raises concerns over the safety of future matches involving Israeli teams in Europe. Turkey, for instance, announced it would relocate Maccabi Tel Aviv’s next Europa League match, scheduled against Besiktas, to a neutral venue. In France, protests erupted in Saint-Denis near the Stade de France, where a UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel took place. Demonstrators, many holding banners referencing a UN report likening Israel’s actions in Gaza to genocide, voiced strong opposition to the French government's decision to host the match. Samy, a film director present at the protest, denounced the French-Israeli match, calling Israel’s actions in Gaza genocide and pledging to continue their fight for justice.

Conclusion

From the foregoing, it is evident that there is a clear double standard within the football community, with FIFA tacitly endorsing the presence of politics in football activities. The swift action taken against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine demonstrated the football community’s unified support for Ukraine. Flags of Ukraine were displayed during La Liga matches, the hashtag #StopUkraineInvasion was widely used, and official statements were issued to show solidarity. In contrast, Palestine, which has long suffered under Israeli genocidal carnage, has not received the same official support from FIFA or UEFA. Despite widespread protests and petitions to suspend the Israeli team, FIFA has postponed its ruling for the third time. This delay highlights the deep hypocrisy within the football community, particularly at FIFA's upper echelons. Many believe that a FIFA ban on Israel could potentially ease the ongoing genocidal carnage in Palestine, yet FIFA’s inaction speaks volumes about its complicity. As Allah says:

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.(Q:5:8)