26.09.2025 14:53
The President of the Turkish Football Federation, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, called on FIFA and UEFA to ban Israel from all sporting events due to its attacks in Gaza. Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized that football is a language that enhances international solidarity and condemned Israel's actions.
The President of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, called for Israel to be banned from all sporting events by sending letters to FIFA, UEFA, and the presidents of all football federations around the world.
"WE FEEL OBLIGED TO VOICE OUR CONCERNS"
In his letter, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized that football has always been more than just a sport, stating, "Football is a universal language that brings together different cultures, strengthens friendship, and reinforces the bonds of solidarity among people. Based on these values, we feel obliged to voice our deep concerns regarding the illegal (and more importantly, completely inhumane and unacceptable) situation being carried out by Israel in Gaza and its surroundings."
In his letter, Hacıosmanoğlu mentioned that he was calling attention to the illegal, inhumane, and unacceptable situation being carried out by Israel in Gaza and its surroundings, stating:
"The situation has been desperate for a long time, but in recent days, the level of urgency has reached a new dimension due to the interventions of various institutions:
On Tuesday, after a two-year investigation, the United Nations' independent 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.
On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen demanded 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 committing genocide and practicing 'apartheid' against the Palestinian people.
For weeks, governments around the world have been condemning the genocide and calling for sanctions against Israel.
For years, humanitarian organizations have been highlighting the deaths and suffering caused by Israel's actions.
In this process, more and more innocent people (children, healthcare workers, journalists covering the conflict, professional football players, and fans) are losing their lives every day."
"ISRAEL MUST BE IMMEDIATELY BANNED FROM ALL SPORTING EVENTS"
Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized that FIFA and UEFA banned Russia from international sports organizations just four days after it opened war against Ukraine, but the same attitude and measures have not been applied when it comes to Palestine, stating, "Despite positioning themselves as defenders of civil values and peace, the sports world and football institutions have remained silent for a long time. It is now time for FIFA and UEFA to take action. Israel must be immediately banned from all sporting events." In a statement from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, it was reported that the number of people killed in the attacks carried out by Israel on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 65,502, and the number of injured has reached 167,376.