Eric Cantona calls out FIFA, UEFA for double standards on not suspending Israel
He compared the treatment of Russia and Israel, highlighting the disparity in decisions taken by football authorities.
NUR ADNIN MAHALIM
SHAH ALAM - Football legend Eric Cantona has publicly criticised International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) of “double standards and hypocrisy” for allowing Israel to continue competing in international football, despite swiftly suspending Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at the Together for Palestine event in London, Cantona compared the treatment of Russia and Israel, highlighting the disparity in decisions taken by football authorities.
“Four days after Russia started the war in Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia.
“We are now 716 days into what Amnesty International have called a genocide and yet Israel continue to be allowed to participate,” he said.
Cantona pressed further, questioning the governing bodies’ inaction. “Why? Why the double standards? FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel,” he stressed.
The French football icon urged both clubs and current players to take a stand against Israel’s participation.
“Clubs everywhere must refuse to play Israeli teams. Current players everywhere must refuse to play against Israeli teams,” he added.
Drawing on historical precedent, Cantona invoked the example of the global sporting boycott against apartheid South Africa.
“We all remember our apartheid in South Africa. The sporting boycott was critical in ending apartheid in South Africa.
“We have power. You have power. Football fans around the world have power,” he said.
Cantona ended his speech with a direct challenge to the audience.
“Those teams represent you. It’s time for everyone to get off the sidelines. Who will follow me? You. You will follow me. Do you think Israel must be suspended by FIFA and UEFA? You can say yes, because you have power. FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel. Thank you very much.”
Cantona’s remarks add to ongoing international debate over Israel’s position in global sporting events amid the occupation in Gaza.
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