UEFA and FIFA may get a red card at the ICC for ignoring Israeli violations
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
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UEFA and FIFA leaders could face a significant legal challenge as they may be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their alleged failure to address human rights violations in Israel. This landmark move could set a precedent, holding international sports organizations accountable for ignoring systemic issues tied to their events. The referral stems from concerns over FIFA's partnership with countries implicated in human rights abuses, such as Russia and Qatar, which hosted major tournaments despite questionable ethics. Similarly, UEFA's decision to proceed with Euro 2023 in Israel, amid ongoing tensions, has drawn criticism for potentially normalizing the conflict.
The ICC's potential involvement highlights growing scrutiny of global sports bodies' complicity in human rights issues. Critics argue that FIFA and UEFA have prioritized lucrative deals over ethical concerns, fostering partnerships with regimes accused of violations. For instance, Russia's 2018 World Cup hosting was criticized for its ties to the conflict in Ukraine, while Qatar's treatment of migrant workers during the 2022 World Cup has been widely condemned. These precedents raise questions about whether international
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026