UN Experts Urge FIFA to Uphold International Law in Israeli Football Clubs

The ICJ also underscored Israel's violation of the prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid under the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

UN experts have called on FIFA to uphold international law and demand compliance from Israeli football clubs operating in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. Currently, at least eight clubs are based in these settlements, which violate international law, as reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its Advisory Opinion of July 2024. These clubs are integrated into the Israeli Football Association (IFA), raising concerns over the legality and ethics of their operations.

The experts highlighted that this situation amounts to recognizing the unlawful Israeli presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, contradicting international legal norms. They referred to the ICJ's recent opinion, which stressed that Israel's transfer of settlers to the West Bank violates Palestinian self-determination and breaches the Fourth Geneva Convention. These actions are considered grave breaches of international law, amounting to crimes under the Rome Statute.

The ICJ also underscored Israel's violation of the prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid under the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The experts reiterated the ICJ's mandate for Israel to end its occupation, dismantle settlements, and provide reparations to displaced Palestinians.

The UN experts called on FIFA to address these legal violations during its upcoming October 2024 Council meeting. They emphasized FIFA's responsibility under international human rights law, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, urging the organization to apply its zero-tolerance policy against discrimination and racism in the context of Israeli football.

"Autonomy in sport should not come at the expense of fundamental human rights," the experts concluded, demanding that FIFA ensure its policies align with global legal standards.