Athletes Urge UEFA to Suspend Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

London, UK – A group of 50 professional athletes, including Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure and former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, have urged UEFA to suspend Israel from its competitions. The coalition’s letter, which was released on September 29, 2025, argues that “sport cannot stand silent while athletes and civilians including children are indiscriminately killed en masse in Gaza.”

Among other notable signatories are former Aston Villa forward Anwar El Ghazi and England cricket captain Moeen Ali. The letter pays tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the ‘Palestinian Pele,’ who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last August. “In life, he brought hope through sport; in death, he has become a stark reminder of why the world, and in particular sporting bodies, must act,” the letter states.

The letter cites a September United Nations report accusing Israeli authorities of committing genocide against Palestinians, a claim Israel has rejected. “It is an obligation for sporting bodies to take action against sports teams representing a country which a United Nations commission has concluded is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza,” the letter continues.

Nujum Sports, a representative body for Muslim athletes in the UK, coordinated the letter, which is presented under the banner of Athletes 4 Peace. The organization stated it was contacted by athletes of various backgrounds who want to call for justice.

The letter concludes by calling upon UEFA to suspend Israel from all competitions until it adheres to international law. “Sport is not neutral in the face of injustice. To remain silent is to accept that the lives of some are worth less than others,” it reads.

This appeal follows actions by members of the UN’s human rights council and the Professional Footballers’ Association, who have both called for Israel’s suspension from football competitions. Notably, the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump stated it would work to prevent Israel from being banned from the 2026 men’s World Cup.

Throughout the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli national and club teams have continued to compete in FIFA and UEFA events. However, UEFA matches have not occurred in Israel since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths.

Last month, over 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives due to Israeli military actions following the ground invasion. As the situation escalates, Turkiye has become the first UEFA member to call for action against Israel, urging FIFA and UEFA to intervene.