Israel faces FIFA suspension push

Following former Socceroo Craig Foster’s call, a number of nations are lining up against Israel at the FIFA Congress.

Craig Foster has called on FIFA to sanction Israel over the invasion of Gaza Picture: Christian Anstey

As Australia celebrates being awarded the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the football world’s eyes today turn to whether the 211 member nations at the FIFA Congress will vote to impose sanctions against Israel.

Kuwait and Jordan have joined Socceroo legend Craig Foster in calling for sporting sanctions against Israel.

Foster, who starred 29 times for Australia as well as captaining the side, took to X last weekend to call on the 74th FIFA Congress to back a move by the Palestine FA requesting the suspension of Israel.

He wrote: “As per FIFA’s statutory human rights commitments pending compliance with the ICJ (International Court of Justice) measures to prevent genocide. I support them. And call on the football community to do likewise.”

Football Australia said it would not be commenting publicly on any matters discussed at the congress. That includes how it would vote today.

A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said “while Football Australia makes its own decisions, the Australian Government is clear that we do not support boycotts of Israel”.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said it would be a “shameful act” to expel Israel.

“Australia should exert any influence it can to ensure such an expulsion does not occur. Sport should unite us, not divide us,” Dutton said.

“It would be a shameful act to expel Israel at the FIFA Congress.”

Prince Ali, of Jordan, had written to all FIFA’s 211 members recently supporting the Palestine call and this week, in sync with Foster, Kuwait has taken a strong lead among the West Asian Football Federation community in doubling down on the request for Israel to be expelled.

Jordan's Prince Ali bin Hussein (C), half-brother of the king and President of the Jordan Football Association, poses for a group picture with the national team players upon their return from the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup final. Picture: Khalil Mazraawi/AFP

Kuwait FA president Abdullah Al-Shaheen, who has facilitated Palestine playing matches in the Gulf state, said: “We stand with our brothers in Palestine, especially the Palestinian Football Association, on the same path. We share their destiny and wholeheartedly support the Palestinian Football Association’s project to hold the Israeli counterpart accountable for what has been described as violations of the rules and regulations of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).”

The pressure for a Israel ban will grow at the Asian Football Confederation, of which Australia is a member, committed to supporting Palestine. North African nations are expected to follow suit, although it is expected Europe will oppose the move to ban Israel, a member of UEFA.

Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian FA, has revealed a draft resolution submitted to the FIFA Congress, scheduled for May 17 in Thailand, aimed at holding Israeli occupation accountable for its actions against Palestinian sports during the ongoing Gaza aggression.

Rajoub outlined two key points in the resolution. Firstly, to provide support for sports development across all Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, in accordance with FIFA regulations. Secondly, to subject the Israeli Occupation Football Association to accountability within FIFA for its actions.

Football Australia must decide whether to oppose an AFC proposal to scrap term limits for the AFC president and all executive committee members.