FIFA and UEFA accused of aiding war crimes
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
FIFA and UEFA, the governing bodies of international football, are facing serious allegations of aiding war crimes and crimes against humanity due to their continued support for Israeli football clubs operating in occupied Palestinian territories. The case, examined by Al Jazeera’s Nour Hegazy, raises critical legal questions about the role of global sports institutions in conflict zones. Critics argue that by maintaining ties with Israeli clubs, FIFA and UEFA may be indirectly supporting actions that violate international law, including human rights abuses committed by Israel in occupied lands.
The controversy centers on the long-standing relationship between FIFA, UEFA, and Israeli football. Historically, these organizations have championed sports diplomacy as a tool for promoting peace and unity, particularly in divided regions like the Middle East. However, their support for Israeli clubs has been increasingly scrutinized, with accusations mounting that such backing legitimizes and facilitates actions by Israel that contravene international law. This marks a turning point in the debate over whether global sports bodies can be held accountable for complicity in human rights violations.
The legal implications of this case are profound. Al Jazeera’s investigation explores whether FIFA and UEFA, as influential international entities, have a duty
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026