A group of fifty athletes, including notable current and former sports stars, have signed an open letter to UEFA urging the organization to ban Israel from all UEFA competitions. This call comes amid accusations against Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
Among the prominent signatories are former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, French midfielder Paul Pogba, and British boxer Jacques Chelley. The letter also received support from Khadija Mellah, the first hijab-wearing jockey in British horse racing, Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucouré, Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech (formerly of Chelsea and now with Galatasaray), Aston Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi, and former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson.
Fifty Athletes Demand UEFA Ban Israel
The letter honors Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza in August. It states:
“He lived and breathed life through sport, bringing hope. Through his death, he reminded us why it is vital for sports organizations to act now.”
Delivered by the UK-based organization Nuzum Sports, the letter demands immediate action from UEFA:
“We call on UEFA to ban Israel from all competitions until it complies with international law, ceases the killing of civilians, and stops causing starvation. Sport cannot remain neutral in the face of injustice. Silence only reinforces the idea that some lives are worth less than others. There must be one universal standard justice without bias.”
