UN Experts Urge FIFA, UEFA Suspension of Israel over Genocide Accusations

A group of United Nations human rights experts has called for the suspension of Israel from international football events organized by FIFA and UEFA, citing accusations of genocide in Gaza. The experts emphasized that the boycott should target the State of Israel and not individual players, to avoid discrimination based on nationality. This call follows a UN Human Rights Council commission report that labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, a claim Israel denies, arguing bias from the UN bodies. The experts urge sports organizations to reject "business as usual" and not normalize grave human rights violations through their platforms. In contrast, the International Olympic Committee has declined to sanction Israel, stating there was no violation of the Olympic Charter, while referencing sanctions on Russia due to its conflict in Ukraine. The situation highlights ongoing debates about the role of international sports bodies in responding to geopolitical conflicts and human rights issues.