Eric Cantona Calls on FIFA and UEFA to Suspend Israel

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has urged football’s governing bodies to take action against Israel’s war in Gaza, calling on FIFA and UEFA to ban the country from the World Cup. His comments follow Spain’s threat to boycott next summer’s tournament if no measures are introduced.

Currently, Russia is the only nation banned from major international competitions, though three others have faced temporary suspensions in recent months. Israel sit third in their qualifying group, six points behind leaders Norway but level with second-placed Italy, and remain well-positioned to secure at least a play-off spot with three matches left. See below:

Concerns over Israel’s potential participation intensified after recent findings from Amnesty International and a United Nations-commissioned inquiry, both concluding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. According to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry - considered reliable by the UN - at least 64,964 Palestinians have been killed. These findings have fuelled calls for stronger sanctions against the nation, similar to the ones Russia face for their invasion of Ukraine.

Eric Cantona Demands FIFA to Ban Israel From 2026 World Cup

Cantona made his remarks at the 'Together for Palestine' concert at London’s OVO Arena Wembley. The event featured performances from music stars including Damon Albarn, Bastille and PinkPantheress, as well as appearances by film stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch.

“I played for France and Manchester United. I know that international football is more than just sport, it is culture, it is political, it is soft power,” the Frenchman said, as per the Mirror, before continuing (watch below):

“In a way that a country represents itself on a global stage, the time has come to suspend Israel from that privilege. Four days after Russia started a war in Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia. We are now 716 days into what Amnesty International have called a genocide - and yet Israel continue to be allowed to participate."

“Why, why is it double standards?" Cantona added. "FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel. Clubs everywhere must refuse to play Israeli teams. Current players everywhere must refuse to play against Israeli teams.

"We all remember apartheid in South Africa. The Sporting boycott was critical in ending it. We have power. You have power. And football fans around the world have power. Those teams represent you. It’s time for everyone to get off the sidelines. Who will follow me? You?”

Protests against Israel have recently spread into all areas of life in Spain, with the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana cancelled following demonstrations against the Israel-Premier Tech team. The cycling Grand Tour had already been repeatedly disrupted by pro-Palestine protestors before it was cut short.

Spain has also threatened to boycott both Eurovision and the World Cup, continuing to set the precedent that Cantona wants the rest of the world to follow.

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