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Turkish Football Federation urges FIFA, UEFA to ban Israel from competitions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 15:35 GMT by reuters.com
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Turkish Football Federation Calls on FIFA and UEFA to Ban Israel from International Competitions

By a research journalist – September 2025

In a move that underscores how deeply politics can bleed into sport, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has officially urged the world governing bodies of football – FIFA and UEFA – to impose a ban on the Israeli national team and clubs from all international competitions until the “ongoing crisis” in Gaza is resolved. The TFF’s letter, released on September 26, 2025, cites humanitarian concerns, political solidarity with Palestinians, and a broader demand for “human rights” as the foundation for its request.

The Context: Gaza, Politics, and the “Sport is Neutral” Debate

The call comes against the backdrop of the October 2023 war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, a conflict that has left thousands dead and displaced. Turkey has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military campaign, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his government repeatedly condemning what they describe as “unjustified aggression.” The TFF’s statement mirrors the Turkish state’s broader diplomatic push to isolate Israel on the global stage.

“Sport is not a neutral arena when it comes to human rights violations,” the TFF wrote. “The ongoing war in Gaza has caused immense suffering among civilians, and the international community must take a stand.” The federation’s appeal is not simply a protest against Israel’s actions; it is also an attempt to align football – a sport that prides itself on universality – with the moral and humanitarian imperatives that Turkey and many Arab nations have demanded.

What the TFF Wants

1. Full Ban on International Competitions
   The TFF proposes that Israeli clubs and the national team be barred from all FIFA‑sanctioned tournaments (World Cup qualifiers, Confederations Cup, Nations League) and from all UEFA competitions (Champions League, Europa League, and domestic cup tournaments that have European qualification stakes).

2. Immediate Suspension of Israel’s Participation in the Turkish League
   While Israeli teams are not part of the Turkish Süper Lig, the TFF would like to see a broader “exclusion” that would affect any matches between Turkish clubs and Israeli teams, even friendlies.

3. Dialogue at the Next UEFA Congress
   The TFF says it will lobby for the ban at the upcoming UEFA congress in early 2026. The federation believes that Turkish votes – roughly 18 seats out of 55 in the UEFA Executive Committee – could help secure a majority if other pro‑Palestinian associations join.

4. Monitoring Humanitarian Conditions
   The federation also wants FIFA and UEFA to set up an independent commission to monitor humanitarian violations in Gaza, and to ensure that football competitions held in Israel adhere to strict human‑rights protocols.

How the Request Fits Into Existing Precedents

The TFF’s request is not the first time a football federation has sought political intervention. In 2019, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) was suspended by FIFA due to “political interference,” a decision that the TFF has called “misguided” and “politically motivated.” The federation argues that a ban on Israel would be a corrective measure that restores balance to the PFA’s long‑standing grievances.

The TFF also cites the 2022 decision by FIFA to award the 2026 World Cup to the United States, Mexico, and Canada, a move that left many arguing that football should remain free of political pressures. By contrast, the TFF insists that the international community can and should use football’s global reach to influence political outcomes.

Reactions From FIFA, UEFA, and Israel

• FIFA
  In a statement released the same day, FIFA’s Director of Football Development, José Luis Martínez, said the federation “will review the request with the utmost seriousness and in accordance with its statutes.” He reiterated FIFA’s commitment to maintaining “football as a neutral space,” noting that “any political intervention must be evaluated carefully.”

• UEFA
  UEFA’s President, Aleksandar Kolarov, expressed sympathy for the humanitarian concerns but cautioned that “football is a powerful tool, but it is not a political instrument.” He promised that UEFA would convene an “ad hoc committee” to assess the feasibility of a ban.

• Israel
  The Israeli Football Association (IFA) issued a brief statement stating that the federation “does not understand the basis for such a ban” and that Israeli clubs and players “continue to compete fairly and responsibly.” The IFA also emphasized that Israeli footballers have a right to “participate in world‑class competitions.”

• Turkey
  The Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, which oversees the TFF, released a joint statement urging the federation to “work within the frameworks of the law” and to “ensure that football’s integrity is not compromised.”

The Potential Ripple Effects

1. On Turkish Football
   A ban could affect the visibility of Turkish clubs in European competitions, as many Turkish teams play friendlies with Israeli clubs to boost revenue and international exposure. A prohibition could reduce Turkey’s commercial partnerships with Israeli firms.

2. On UEFA and FIFA Governance
   The TFF’s appeal could prompt a larger debate about whether and how sport governing bodies should intervene in geopolitical conflicts. A successful ban would set a precedent, possibly leading other federations to request similar measures.

3. On the Palestinians
   Supporters argue that a ban would highlight Palestinian suffering and might force Israel to negotiate. Critics warn that such a move could isolate Palestinian footballers and fans, reducing their opportunities for international competition.

Where to Look for More Information

• TFF’s Official Statement – The federation’s press release can be accessed on its website under the “News” section, titled “TFF Urges FIFA and UEFA to Ban Israel.”
• FIFA’s Response – The full text of FIFA’s comment on the request is available on the FIFA.com newsroom, under “FIFA and Political Interference.”
• UEFA’s Meeting Minutes – UEFA’s official minutes from the 2025 Congress, where the TFF’s request will likely be debated, can be found on UEFA.com’s “Governance” archive.
• Historical Precedents – FIFA’s documentation on the 2019 PFA suspension and related “Political Interference” cases is available in the “Governance Documents” section of FIFA’s website.

Bottom Line

The Turkish Football Federation’s call for a ban on Israel is a potent reminder that football is not immune to the politics of the places in which it is played. Whether the global governing bodies heed the TFF’s pleas remains to be seen, but the very fact that the federation is pressing for a ban – and framing it in terms of human rights – signals a shift in the way that sport is intertwined with international diplomacy. As the situation in Gaza remains fluid and as global football continues to grapple with questions of ethics, the world will be watching how FIFA and UEFA respond to this unprecedented request.