Alex MacQuoid
Manchester United icon Eric Cantona has demanded that football’s governing bodies, FIFA and UEFA, finally take action against Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
His comments came during a speech at the Together 4 Palestine event in London, where he highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis. Cantona pointed out that both Amnesty International and a UN-commissioned inquiry have accused Israel of perpetrating genocide against Palestinians. Despite international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the IDF to continue its military operations in Gaza City.
Double Standards in Football?
What fuels Cantona’s frustration is the apparent double standard in world football. In 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia just four days after its invasion of Ukraine. Yet, 716 days into the Gaza conflict, Israel’s national team still competes in World Cup qualifiers, and Maccabi Tel Aviv remain active in the Europa League.
“I played for France and Manchester United. I know that international football is more than just sport – it is culture, politics, and soft power,” Cantona said. “The time has come to suspend Israel from that privilege.”
“In a way that a country represents itself on a global stage, the time has come to suspend Israel from that privilege. Four days after Russia started a war in Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia. We are now 716 days into what Amnesty International have called a genocide – and yet Israel continue to be allowed to participate.
“Why, why is it double standards? FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel. Clubs everywhere must refuse to play Israeli teams. Current players everywhere must refuse to play against Israeli teams.
“We all remember apartheid in South Africa. The Sporting boycott was critical in ending it. We have power. You have power. And football fans around the world have power. Those teams represent you. It’s time for everyone to get off the sidelines. Who will follow me? You?” he asked.
Political Repercussions in Spain
The debate has already reached political levels in Spain. Patxi Lopez, spokesperson for the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, suggested that Spain might even boycott the 2026 World Cup if Israel qualify. Currently, Israel sit third in Group I, level on points with Italy, who occupy the play-off spot but have a game in hand.
The tension has also spilled into cycling, with the Vuelta a España disrupted by protests against Israel-Premier Tech before its final stage was cancelled.
What Comes Next?
Whether FIFA and UEFA respond remains uncertain, but Cantona’s words have amplified calls for consistency in football governance. For many fans, the question is simple: if Russia faced immediate suspension, why not Israel?
As political conflicts increasingly intersect with global sport, football’s governing bodies face mounting pressure to prove that fair play applies beyond the pitch.