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Published on 2024-02-10 09:06:51
Iran’s football federation has requested the suspension of Israel’s football federation by FIFA due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The announcement was made on the Iranian football federation’s website, calling for Israel to be “completely suspended” from all football-related activities. The request also urges FIFA and its member associations to take “immediate and serious measures” to prevent the continuation of Israeli “crimes” and provide essential supplies to innocent civilians affected by the conflict.
The war in Gaza began on October 7, following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel. The subsequent conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,160 people, predominantly civilians. Israel has responded with airstrikes and a ground offensive, causing the deaths of at least 27,947 people, primarily women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
Iran has expressed support for Hamas’s attack on Israel, though it has denied any direct involvement. This stance is consistent with Iran’s refusal to recognize Israel and its prohibition of any contact between Iranian and Israeli athletes. In fact, an Iranian weightlifter, Mostafa Rajaei, was given a lifetime ban after shaking hands with an Israeli competitor at an event in Poland. Additionally, the head of the delegation was dismissed for the competition.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also urged athletes not to shake hands with representatives of the “criminal regime” in order to obtain medals. In support of Iran’s request, a group of Middle Eastern football associations, including Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have also asked FIFA to ban Israel due to the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The request from Iran’s football federation represents an escalation of tensions between the two countries and reflects the wider regional conflict. The ongoing violence in Gaza has drawn international attention and condemnation, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Despite the efforts of various Middle Eastern football associations, FIFA has not yet taken action to suspend Israel’s football federation. The governing body of world football may face pressure from different member associations, as well as non-member countries, to address the issue and take a stance on the situation in Gaza.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has had far-reaching implications, extending into the world of sports and prompting calls for action from international organizations like FIFA. The ongoing situation underscores the complexities and challenges of political and diplomatic conflicts, even within the realm of sports.
