50 athletes unite to demand Israel’s suspension from football in powerful letter

Bassyonni

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50 athletes unite to demand Israel’s suspension from football in powerful letter

Athletes Unite to Call for Israel’s Suspension from UEFA Competitions

A coalition of 50 professional athletes has sent a powerful message to UEFA, urging the organization to suspend Israel from all its competitions. This call to action includes notable names such as Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure and former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech. The athletes contend that the global sports community must not remain silent while violence, including the indiscriminate killing of civilians and children, continues in Gaza.

Sports Stars Demand Justice Amid Ongoing Conflict

The letter, which champions social responsibility, references tragic circumstances, including the loss of life due to the ongoing conflict. Among the supporters are former Aston Villa forward Anwar El Ghazi, who faced unjust treatment from Mainz 05 after expressing solidarity with Palestinians, as well as former Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy and ex-Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson. Other supporters include former England cricket captain Moeen Ali, boxer Zak Chelli, and jockey Khadijah Mellah.

Tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid

The letter pays homage to the late Suleiman al-Obeid, affectionately known as the “Palestinian Pele.” According to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), he was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last August. The athletes emphasize that Suleiman’s life brought hope through sports, and his death serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for action within the international sporting community.

The key points from the letter include:
The obligation for sporting bodies to act against countries alleged to commit genocide.
A United Nations report claiming that Israeli authorities have genocidal intentions towards Palestinians in Gaza.
A call to UEFA to suspend Israel until compliance with international law is achieved.

Unified Call for Peace and Justice

The movement has been coordinated by Nujum Sports, a representative organization for Muslim athletes in the UK, and operates under the banner of Athletes 4 Peace. Nujum Sports stated that it received requests from athletes of diverse backgrounds who wish to stand united for justice. The letter articulates a key belief: “Sport is not neutral in the face of injustice,” reinforcing that silence equates to acceptance of inequities based on nationality.

The Broader Context and Ongoing Actions

This letter aligns with recent statements from members of the UN’s Human Rights Council, who have also called for Israel’s suspension from international football competitions. The PFA has reiterated this request at the last two FIFA congresses. Meanwhile, the US administration has expressed its intention to prevent Israel from facing bans from the upcoming 2026 men’s World Cup.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has reportedly seen over 60,000 Palestinian casualties, Israel’s national and club teams have continued to participate in FIFA and UEFA tournaments. Notably, no UEFA matches have taken place in Israel since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when violence escalated, resulting in considerable loss of life and hostages.

This significant appeal from athletes worldwide highlights the intersection of sports and social justice, urging a collective response to increasing violence and humanitarian crises. As the situation unfolds, the global sports community wrestles with its role amid pressing ethical concerns.