‘Don’t become complicit’: academics invite UEFA to eliminate Israel because of the atrocities in Gaza

More than 30 academicsexperts in international law and genocide issues, ask for Uefa to expel the Israel by the European footballciting the atrocities taking place in Gaza.

In a letter to the president of UEFA, Alexander Cheferinthe signatories report that one such exclusion It is ‘imperative’, citing expert findings UNwho accuse Israel of committing genocide Against the Palestinian people.

‘His involvement Israel In European events it is in stark contrast to its fundamental values Uefa and her Fifaincluding respect for human rights »noted in the letter published on Thursday.

The academics note that since the start of Israeli military campaign in October 2023, at least 421 Palestinian footballers have been killed while being destroyed infrastructure such as stadiums, academies, and even the offices of the Gaza Football Federation.

‘This attack has eliminate essentially a whole generation Palestinian football players and has dissolved sports in Gaza »they emphasize.

The letter argues that the Israeli Football Federation (IFA), which continues to participate normally in the events without taking distances from state policies or condemning human rights violations, are essentially complicity In the oppression system imposed on the Palestinians.

‘IFA’s silence and cooperation do not constitute neutrality. On the contrary, they contribute to the athletic legalization of a regime apartheid and a genocidal policy towards the Palestinians. “

Among the signatories included Elisa von Joeden ForgeyDirector of the Lemkin Institute for the Prevention of Genocide, as well as former UN experts and international law professors.

Signers call the Uefa to act directly and to ‘Do not allow sport to be used as a means of legalizing serious violations of international law. “