As tensions in Gaza escalate, the Italian Football Coaches’ Association (AIAC) is calling for Israel’s temporary suspension from international football. This appeal comes ahead of Italy’s scheduled World Cup qualifiers against Israel in September and October.
In a formal letter addressed to Italy’s football federation — and intended for UEFA and FIFA — AIAC emphasized that the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of numerous players, coaches, and sports officials. The association stated it is both reasonable and morally necessary to advocate for Israel’s removal from global tournaments for the time being.
“The atrocities happening daily cannot be ignored. Football cannot stay silent,” the letter said. “We must act out of conscience and humanity.”
The upcoming fixtures will be held on neutral ground in Hungary on September 8, followed by a home game in Udine on October 14. Similar matches last year in Udine saw protests, tight security, and even snipers positioned atop stadium roofs.
AIAC vice president Giancarlo Camolese noted that while players could choose to focus solely on the sport, doing so would be a form of unacceptable indifference. Fellow vice president Francesco Perondi echoed this, stressing that suffering populations like the Palestinians deserve solidarity, not silence.
Meanwhile, German media revealed that Fortuna Düsseldorf, a Bundesliga 2 club, cancelled plans to sign Israeli forward Shon Weissman following fan backlash over his Gaza-related social media posts.