FIFA has insisted that it cannot “solve geographical problems” amid calls to ban Israel.
President of the world football governing body, Gianni Infantino, on Thursday said the organization is more interested in promoting peace and unity.
Infantino led a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council, which did not have Israel formally on the agenda before 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures resume next week.
The strongest push against Israeli teams by European soccer leaders during the two-year conflict in Gaza was paused after a peace proposal on Monday in the White House by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values,” Infantino said.
Israel is scheduled to play World Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo on October 11, and Italy in Udine three days later.
2026 World Cup: FIFA rejects calls to ban Israel from competition