As the situation in Gaza worsens, our conscience will not allow us to watch Israel participating in the FIFA World Cup — enjoying football in front of the whole world while Gazans are suffering to an extent that cannot even be described.
Since October 2023, Gaza has endured a relentless blockade. Food, fuel, water, and medicine — all lifesaving supplies — are being blocked. More than 65,000 children are facing death from famine due to the siege and denial of crossing access (Anadolu Ajansı). Already, 67 children have starved to death in Gaza since October 2023 as the blockade intensified (DCI, Amnesty International).
FIFA’s Hypocrisy and Double Standards
FIFA and world of football has shown the highest level of hypocrisy and double standard. When Russia invaded Ukraine, FIFA wasted no time in banning Russia from international football. Yet Israel, which has invaded more than three countries in one year, occupied, and destroyed continues to participate freely in FIFA and UEFA competitions. The UEFA’s tweet on Palestinian Pele (Suleiman Obeid) who was killed by Israel in Gaza was enough to tell you their level of hypocrisy. How can you describe his death just like natural death without even mentioning the cause of his deat
This exposes not just hypocrisy, but a dangerous message: European lives are valued, while Palestinian lives are ignored
“Source: UEFA on X (original tweet here)”
If FIFA Refuses to Act, Then Fans and Nations Must
Remaining silent is the same as accepting injustice. Boycotting FIFA is not just a political stance — it is a moral responsibility.
How to Boycott FIFA and UEFA
- Stop Watching Matches – Refuse to stream or attend FIFA and UEFA competitions until Israel is sanctioned.
- Demonstrate Worldwide – Organize peaceful protests outside stadiums, FIFA offices, and embassies.
- Boycott Sponsors – Refuse to buy products from FIFA’s global sponsors (Adidas, Coca-Cola, Visa, etc.) until they demand accountability.
- Social Media Campaigns – Expose FIFA’s double standards with hashtags, petitions, and awareness posts.
- National Action – Urge governments and football federations to withdraw from FIFA competitions until justice is done.
- Players’ Responsibility – Encourage players to refuse participation, or at least use their platforms to speak up for Gaza.
Islamic Duty to Support the Oppressed
Allah ﷻ commands us to stand with our oppressed brothers and sisters:
“And if they seek help of you in religion, then you must help…”
(Surah Al-Anfal, 8:72)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are just like one body. When one part suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”
(Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
How can we play football with Israel, laugh in stadiums, and celebrate goals while our brothers and sisters in Gaza are buried under rubble?
A Message to Muslim Leaders and Nations
Muslim leaders must rise beyond cowardice and show moral courage. FIFA and UEFA will not act unless nations take a stand. As it is today, FIFA and UEFA are Israel, and Israel is FIFA and UEFA.
Allah’s help is promised to those who stand firm:
“If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; but if He forsakes you, who is there that can help you?”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:160)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The Imam (leader) is a shield; behind him the Muslims fight and are protected. If he commands the fear of Allah and acts justly, then he will be rewarded for that. But if he does otherwise, he will bear the burden of sin.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari (2957), Sahih Muslim (1841)
Conclusion
The football world cannot continue to normalize Israel’s crimes while silencing Palestine. FIFA and UEFA’s double standards have destroyed their credibility.
- If you have a conscience — boycott FIFA.
- If you are a player — think of Gaza’s children before stepping on that pitch.
- If you are a Muslim leader — remember your accountability before Allah.
Football without justice is nothing but a game played over the graves of the innocent.