FIFA has become a political tool, opinion piece in Al Jazeera claims
A political scientist argues in an Al Jazeera opinion piece that FIFA is no longer independent but a political instrument supporting US and Israeli policies, criticizing its handling of Palestinian football issues.
In an opinion piece published by Al Jazeera, a political scientist claims that FIFA is no longer an independent sporting organisation but a political tool that supports the foreign policy of the US and its allies. The article highlights that FIFA's decision to overturn the suspension of an American football player after intervention by US President Donald Trump has angered fans. It also mentions accusations of referees favoring Argentina in matches against Egypt and Cape Verde.
The piece asserts that Palestine has experienced FIFA's corrupt nature for years. Despite its statutes requiring respect for human rights, FIFA has systematically failed to act regarding Palestinian football. It has repeatedly refused demands from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) to suspend the Israeli Football Association (IFA) for allowing league games on occupied Palestinian land by teams from illegal settlements.
FIFA has not condemned the killing and maiming of Palestinian players or demanded the release of detained footballers, most recently Rand Halawani and Natalie Abu Dayyeh of the Palestinian women's team. It has not protested the destruction of Palestinian stadiums or forced Israel to abandon policies restricting Palestinian football, including denial of travel permits.
The article criticizes IFA for normalizing racism, apartheid, and occupation, and for congratulating Israeli footballers' participation in war crimes in Gaza or Lebanon. FIFA continues to claim that Palestinian demands are 'a highly complex matter under public international law,' which the author says endorses Israeli talking points.
Under FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the organisation's contribution to Israeli crimes has expanded. Human rights organisations have referred Infantino's actions to the International Criminal Court, accusing him of acting with full knowledge of human rights violations, apartheid, and war crimes.
Infantino personally tried to force the head of the PFA to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart. FIFA suggested that Palestine play Israel in an U-15 tournament to 'promote peace.' Infantino attended the signing of the Abraham Accords in Washington, a Jerusalem Post conference, and the inauguration of the 'Board of Peace' which seeks to end UN involvement in the Palestinian question.
The article concludes that FIFA has lost control of its independent decision-making and abdicated responsibility to keep politics out of football. It urges Infantino to radically change course, otherwise his legacy will be one of destruction. Palestinian football, the author says, will persevere despite occupation, genocide, and a corrupt FIFA.
