All out in Manchester on Saturday 18th July – 12pm, Piccadilly Gardens!
As the FIFA World Cup final approaches on 19th July, we must remind ourselves that football is indeed political. Since its inception, the World Cup has repeatedly been touted as a space that ‘platforms world peace’. In light of almost 3 years of genocide, this facade of ‘world peace’ has demonstrably been ripped away, and we are all seeing FIFA for what it is: a corrupt, racist organisation deeply compromised by genocidal regimes and agendas.
Israel has killed over 567 Palestinian footballers in Gaza and more than 1,009 athletes in total since October 2023. This is not to mention the thousands of amputees no longer able to engage in athletic activities, and the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians being starved into physical deterioration, as a direct result of Israel’s war crimes.
Palestinians are no strangers to the duplicity of international organisations, and their willingness to turn a blind eye to Israel’s atrocities. FIFA, even before October 2023, refused the Palestine Football Association’s request to ban the Israeli Football Association (IFA), for allowing matches to be played on settlements recognised as illegal under international law. Reebok also continues as the IFA’s sponsor, having taken over from Puma in the middle of the genocide.
UEFA have historically suspended states from football for violations of international law, including Apartheid South Africa, post-war Germany and recently, Russia. FIFA’s choices now will determine whether it will be remembered as a vehicle for genocide and oppression or the haven for ‘world peace’ that it wants to be remembered as. The ball is in FIFA’s court.
The dreams of Palestinians, ones who desired a life of freedom, including the freedom to play football, are being demolished by the Israeli occupation. On the eve of the FIFA World Cup final, join us to demand justice for Palestinians. Israel Out of FIFA once and for all!
