FIFA’s Infantino Calls for Peace Amid Tensions Before Israel Matches

ROME, Italy — FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged football organizations to support peace efforts in the Middle East on Thursday, as two World Cup qualifiers for Israel approach. The matches are scheduled against Norway on Saturday and Italy on Tuesday amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Infantino spoke at the European Football Clubs General Assembly, emphasizing the current ceasefire and stating, “Everyone should be happy about that. Everyone should support that process.” His comments come as discussions regarding a peace plan for Gaza, led by U.S. President Donald Trump, move forward.

Concerns have grown about calling for Israel’s suspension from UEFA due to political pressures within Europe. Two weeks prior, Norwegian football federation President Lise Klaveness publicly called for Israel’s suspension. However, with potential peace negotiations gaining traction, calls for a suspension have cooled.

The upcoming match in Udine, Italy, has also raised security concerns as protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza escalate. Strikes in Italy against the attacks have involved thousands of workers, indicating strong public sentiment against the conflict.

Infantino and Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian soccer federation, met to discuss the situation. In a statement, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s role in promoting football’s unifying values, stating, “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world.”

The FIFA leader highlighted the need for solidarity in sports despite the political landscape, reflecting on the challenges ahead as Israel prepares to play its qualifiers amid rising tensions. No formal vote on suspending Israeli teams was addressed during the FIFA meeting.

As protests erupt across Europe, the stage is set for these World Cup qualifiers to potentially become focal points of the ongoing political struggle in the region.