Donald Trump promises to prevent Israel from being excluded from FIFA
U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to step in and stop any removal from FIFA or UEFA events as calls to exclude Israel from international football intensify.
The debate coincides with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and growing charges of unfair treatment of the sport’s highest regulatory bodies.
The balancing act of Infantino
Gianni Infantino insisted that FIFA “cannot solve geopolitical problems” while urging “peace” in Gaza during the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich. Critics were not placated by the statement, which was perceived as a concession to both Washington and Jerusalem. Many remember that Israel is unaffected by sanctions despite claims of widespread civilian deaths in Gaza, but Russia was barred from all competitions within 48 hours after invading Ukraine. Numerous football associations have called on FIFA to take action, including those from South Africa, Norway, and Spain. UN experts have also demanded that Israel be suspended, stating that major human rights abuses cannot be disregarded by sports organizations.
Under the leadership of Lise Klaveness, the Norwegian federation rekindled the discussion by stating, “If Russia was excluded, Israel should be too.” Her remarks were made prior to the October 11 Norway-Israel game, which will be played in an atmosphere of escalating tension. However, UEFA and FIFA continue to postpone making a firm judgment, sending the issue to internal committees, a practice that some claim is reminiscent of previous evasions during the corruption era.
Trump’s offensive in diplomacy
Donald Trump has made his position known. His government issued a warning through the State Department, saying it “will do everything to prevent any attempt to ban Israel from the World Cup.” Just months before the 2026 World Cup draw, which is set to take place in the United States, Washington is concerned that such a move may lead to a diplomatic catastrophe. Trump continues to view protecting Israel as a political issue and a way to reach his supporters. The White House reportedly told FIFA that eliminating Israel would be viewed as a “political attack against a U.S. ally” beforehand, according to two different sources.
The Israeli Football Association is accused by human rights groups including Human Rights Watch and Fair Square of breaking FIFA’s own rules by holding games on occupied territory and failing to report racist occurrences. Infantino has one of the most delicate tasks of his term as pressure builds for the 2026 World Cup: striking a balance between FIFA’s apolitical image and the ethical and legal demands of the international football community.
