Article by Romeo Ene – published on Saturday, September 20, 2025, 17:38 / Updated on Saturday, September 20, 2025 17:38
Eric Cantona (59 years old), the former great player from Manchester United, asked the football management bodies to take measures against the war carried by Israel in Gaza.
He asked FIFA and UEFA to prohibit Israel to participate in the World Championship next summer. His statements come a few days after Spain threatened to boycott the tournament next summer if no measures are taken.
Currently, Russia is the only national excluded from the big international competitions. Israel is in the third place in the qualification group, six points behind the leader Norway, but on a second place, and still has real chances of taking at least one dam place, with three remaining matches.
The concerns about the participation of Israel have increased according to the recent conclusions of Amnesty International and a commission of inquiry designated by the UN, both claiming that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
According to the figures of the Ministry of Health of Gaza, controlled by Hamas, at least 64,964 Palestinians were killed. These data fed calls for harsher sanctions against Israel, similar to those applied to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
Eric Cantona requires the exclusion of Israel from competitions
Cantona made this call to the Together for Palestine concert, organized at Ovo Wembley Arena in London. The event has gathered music stars, including Damon Albarn, Bastille and PinkPantheres, as well as film actors like Benedict Cumberbatch.
“I played for France and Manchester United. I know that international football means more than sports. It is culture, it is political, soft power.
It is the way a country appears on the global stage. The time has come for Israel to be suspended from this privilege.
Four days after Russia began the war in Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia. Now we are on day 716 of what Amnesty International calls genocide, and yet Israel is allowed to participate
Why? Why are there double standards? FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel! Clubs everywhere must refuse to play against Israeli teams. The footballers must refuse to play against the Israeli teams!
We have power. And you have power. And supporters from all over the world have power. These teams represent you. It's time for everyone to get out of passivity. Who will follow me? You? ”, It was the call made by the canton.
