TFF President Hacıosmanoğlu to FIFA and UEFA: Israel must be banned immediately!

İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, President of the Turkish Football Federation, sent a letter to FIFA, UEFA and all football federation presidents in the world, calling for Israel to be banned from all sporting competitions. Hacıosmanoğlu's letter included the following statements: "Football is a universal language that brings different cultures together, reinforces friendship and strengthens the bonds of solidarity between people. Based on these values, we feel compelled to express our deep concern at the illegal (and more importantly, completely inhumane and unacceptable) situation being carried out by Israel in and around Gaza.

'The level of urgency has reached a new dimension'

The situation has long been desperate, but its urgency has reached a new level in recent days with the intervention of various institutions. On Tuesday, after a two-year investigation, an independent United Nations commission confirmed that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and called on Israel and all states to fulfill their international legal obligations to end the genocide and prosecute those responsible.

'Sanctions against Israel are requested'

On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the suspension of trade privileges with Israel and the imposition of sanctions. Earlier this week, thousands of actors, directors, musicians and other entertainment industry professionals signed a new statement pledging not to work with Israeli film institutions accused of practicing genocide and 'apartheid' against the Palestinian people. For weeks, governments around the world have been condemning the genocide and demanding sanctions against Israel.

'It is time for FIFA and UEFA to take action'

For years, humanitarian organizations have been raising the deaths and suffering caused by Israel's actions. In the process, more and more innocent people - children, medical workers, journalists covering the conflict, professional soccer players and fans - are dying every day. Despite positioning themselves as defenders of civilized values and peace, the world of sport and football institutions have been silent for too long. It is time for FIFA and UEFA to take action. Israel must be banned from all sporting competitions immediately."