Eric Cantona urges FIFA, UEFA ban Israel over Gaza conflict

Eric Cantona, the Manchester United legend, has called on FIFA and UEFA to ban Israel from international football competitions due to allegations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, as reported by Amnesty International and a United Nations inquiry. Cantona drew parallels with the swift sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, criticizing what he described as double standards for allowing Israel to continue participating in World Cup qualifiers and UEFA competitions. The calls for suspension have gained momentum with support from advocacy groups, cultural figures, and football fans worldwide, emphasizing football's role as a form of soft power and political representation. Israel's continued participation, including its national team and clubs like Maccabi Tel Aviv, contrasts with demands for sanctions amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has resisted calls for a ban, expressing reluctance to penalize athletes for their governments' actions. The debate intensifies ahead of Israel's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Norway, whose football federation plans to donate match profits to Gaza humanitarian efforts.