By Peter.
Over 70 athletes, including several Premier League stars, have signed a letter demanding UEFA suspend Israel from international football competitions.
The group Athletes 4 Peace is urging European football’s governing body to disregard the recent ceasefire and enforce a full ban on Israel.
In September, a United Nations inquiry concluded that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The letter, addressed to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, criticizes the organization for its “lack of moral action” in failing to suspend Israel from European competitions.
Notable signatories include Crystal Palace duo Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure, former England cricket star Moeen Ali, and ex-Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson.
“No shared venue, stage, or arena in international civil society should welcome a regime that commits genocide, apartheid, and other crimes against humanity.”
The letter continues:
“Israel’s continued impunity will only end through collective conscientious action — including barring them from sporting and cultural events.”
Ceferin had delayed a potential ban in late September following Donald Trump’s initial peace plan proposal for the region.
The campaign is also backed by pro-Palestine groups like Game Over Israel, which recently protested Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the controversial Europa League clash against Aston Villa.
Ashish Prashar, campaign director for Game Over Israel, stated:
“For Ceferin to pause the suspension vote over a so-called peace plan is either grossly naive or deliberately blind.”
#Athletes4Peace #BoycottIsrael #UEFA #FootballForJustice #EndImpunity #Palestine #Gaza #SportsActivism #MoralAction #GameOverIsrael
