ICC Moves Against UEFA and FIFA for Ignoring Israeli Human Rights Abuses
A historic case at the International Criminal Court could hold soccer's governing bodies accountable for turning a blind eye to Israel's violations against Palestinian players and fans.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is poised to take on a high-profile legal case against the leaders of UEFA and FIFA, the governing bodies of European and world soccer, for their alleged complicity in Israel's systemic human rights abuses against Palestinian athletes and fans.
This landmark referral could set an important legal precedent, holding the powerful sports organizations accountable for ignoring Israel's military occupation and discrimination against Palestinian participants in international competitions. The move comes after years of activists and human rights groups pressing FIFA and UEFA to take action against Israel's violations of player and fan rights.
According to legal experts, the ICC case hinges on the argument that by allowing Israel's national teams and clubs to participate in UEFA and FIFA events without consequence, the organizations are effectively endorsing and enabling the Israeli government's abuses against Palestinians involved in the sport.
Source: Al Jazeera
