FIFA president Gianni Infantino says soccer “cannot solve geopolitical problems,” as he comes under pressure to suspend Israel amid its ongoing war in Gaza against the Hamas terror group.
The sport’s world governing body says in a statement that at a meeting of the FIFA Council, Infantino “stressed the importance of promoting peace and unity, particularly in the context of the ongoing situation in Gaza.”
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino says.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
He adds: “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
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Thursday, October 2, 2025
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