Human rights lawyers demand suspension of Israel from FIFA for violations

Human rights lawyers specializing in international law have called for Israel to be suspended from all football-related activities due to alleged violations of FIFA's statutes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

This independent legal analysis follows a proposal submitted by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) in May, which prompted FIFA to order an urgent legal review, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also supported action against Israel, with PFA President Jibril Al-Rajoub criticizing FIFA for its perceived indifference to what he describes as "violations and ongoing genocide in Palestine."

Attorney Max du Plessis, who was part of the case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, co-wrote the analysis along with Sarah Pudifin-Jones after they were approached by Eko, a social justice non-profit organisation.

"There can be no doubt that Israel's conduct in Palestine has undermined, and continues to undermine FIFA's objectives," the report said.

"Israel has violated the internationally recognised human rights of Palestinians, contrary to Article 3. It has discriminated and continues to discriminate against Palestinians on the basis of race, national origin and birth in direct contravention of Article 4(1).

"Its conduct undermines the humanitarian objectives described in Article 5.1(b). Israel's conduct demands censure, in line with the position adopted by FIFA in relation to similar egregious violations of its objectives and internationally recognised human rights."

The PFA's proposal accuses the Israel Football Association (IFA) of complicity in these violations, a charge the IFA denies. Eko, a social justice non-profit, has gathered over 380,000 signatures in support of the petition to suspend Israel from international sports.

Historically, FIFA has not imposed sanctions on Israel despite previous motions for suspension, citing past decisions to close such discussions. However, the recent legal analysis argues that the current context since October necessitates a reassessment.

The report draws comparisons to past FIFA decisions, such as the suspension of the Football Association of South Africa in 1961 due to apartheid, Yugoslavia's ban in 1992 during the Balkans conflict, and Russia's suspension in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.

Critics accuse Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, which Israel denies, framing its actions as self-defence following a significant attack by Hamas militants on October 7.

This conflict has resulted in substantial casualties on both sides, with over 38,000 Palestinians reported killed by Israeli military actions, according to Gaza medical authorities.