FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed opposition to banning Israel from international football competitions, despite ongoing discussions among several European nations advocating such a move in protest of Israel’s actions in Palestine. Speaking about potential changes to FIFA’s rules, Infantino suggested that the organization’s constitution should prevent any country from being excluded due to political leaders’ actions. He emphasized maintaining open channels of connection through sport.

UEFA had earlier prepared to hold a vote on suspending Israel during its executive committee meeting in September, but the discussion was postponed after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas. According to The Athletic, later talks focused on the procedural aspects of implementing a ban. Ireland’s Football Association strongly supported a proposal to temporarily suspend Israel from UEFA competitions.

Infantino also argued that the current ban on Russia, imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, should be lifted, saying it had achieved nothing and only deepened frustration and hatred. He warned that imposing a similar ban on Israel would represent a failure for football diplomacy.