UEFA and FIFA may get a red card at the ICC for ignoring Israeli violations | Israel-Palestine conflict
Palestinian Footballers Refer FIFA, UEFA Leaders to ICC for Alleged War Crimes
A coalition of Palestinian footballers, clubs, and advocacy organizations filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on February 16, accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity. The 120-page document accuses both leaders of “aiding and abetting” the transfer of civilians to occupied territories and facilitating apartheid practices.
This filing represents a significant moment, marking the first instance in which sports executives face such allegations. The group emphasizes that the actions of Infantino and Čeferin could challenge what they describe as Israeli apartheid and occupation.
Football, boasting approximately five billion fans worldwide, has implications here that extend beyond sports, raising questions about accountability and legal precedent. The complaint highlights the impact of conflicts in Gaza, where the Israeli military operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 1,007 Palestinian athletes and the destruction of 184 sports facilities.
While the Israeli Football Association (IFA) cannot be sued directly, the complaint targets Infantino and Čeferin due to their roles in overseeing the activities of clubs based in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The complaint asserts that these activities effectively normalize illegal settlements that have been deemed unlawful by international legal authorities, including a 2024 ruling from the International Court of Justice.
The complaint also references Article 64(2) of FIFA Statutes, which prohibits association members from playing on another member’s territory without approval. By allowing the IFA to operate clubs on contested land, the complaint argues, Infantino and Čeferin facilitate the transfer of civilians into occupied territories, violating several international laws.
Despite acknowledging ongoing calls for action against the IFA and its affiliated clubs, neither FIFA nor UEFA has taken steps to address the situation. Infantino recently reaffirmed his position against banning Israeli teams from international football, describing such measures as “a defeat.”
The ICC will now initiate a preliminary examination to determine whether there is sufficient jurisdiction and admissibility to proceed with an investigation. Should the ICC opt to investigate, evidence gathering could lead to arrest warrants or summonses, potentially setting a historic precedent for accountability in global sports.
Notably, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has evaded an ICC arrest warrant, Infantino and Čeferin would likely not enjoy the same reprieve if they remain in their current roles.
The intersection of sport and politics cannot be understated, as governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA regulate a multibillion-dollar industry. The repercussions of any action or inaction regarding these allegations could resonate significantly across the football world.
As former UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, Michael Lynk, stated, international entities must ensure compliance with international law when war crimes are evident. The outcome of this referral could affirm the ICC’s role in holding powerful entities accountable for their actions on the global stage.
