Football and human rights coalition launches campaign demanding Israeli boycott from sports
A wide coalition of former international footballers, supporter groups, human rights organisations, advocacy networks and public figures has launched a campaign calling for a boycott of Israeli football.
The initiative, branded #gameoverisrael, urges football federations in Belgium, England, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Scotland and Spain to suspend Israel’s national team, bar Israeli clubs from continental competitions, and stop Israeli players from joining domestic leagues.
Among the high-profile backers are former French footballer Eric Cantona, ex-England player and commentator Gary Lineker, Greek economist Yanis Varoufakis, Irish actor Liam Cunningham and British artist Bobby Vylan.
READ ALSO: Norway’s Football Federation to donate match revenue from Israel game to Gaza
Campaigners have planned coordinated protests across all nine countries, demanding federations take a firm stand against what they describe as Israel’s assault on Palestinian life, including the destruction of sports facilities and the killing of athletes in Gaza.
Richard Falk, president of the Gaza Tribunal and former UN special rapporteur, said: “Israel has for many years used culture and sports to whitewash its violations of international law and human rights, and sporting governing bodies have been shamefully complicit during this genocide. It’s perfectly legitimate and morally imperative to demand that football federations across Europe and the world boycott Israel.”
Organisers say token gestures are no longer enough. Last month, the Italian Football Coaches’ Association called on Italy’s federation to push for Israel’s suspension, while Norway’s football federation pledged to donate ticket revenues from its upcoming qualifier against Israel to humanitarian relief in Gaza.
READ ALSO: UEFA cancells football matches in Israel until further notice
On Monday, Spain’s prime minister went further, urging that Israel be barred from international sporting events, insisting the country should not be allowed to use high-profile tournaments to “whitewash” its offensive.
As Falk puts it: “Normalcy is complicity.”
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
