Éric Cantona Calls for Israel‘s Suspension from International Football Competitions
LONDON – Former French football star Éric Cantona publicly called for Israel’s exclusion from international football competitions on Wednesday, speaking at teh ”Together for Palestine” concert in London.
Cantona drew a parallel to the swift action taken against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine,noting that FIFA and UEFA prohibited Russia from competition within four days of the conflict’s start. He questioned the differing treatment, stating, “Four days after the start of the war waged by Russia in Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA prohibited Russia.” He also referenced Amnesty International’s assertion, ongoing for approximately 716 days, that the situation constitutes a genocide.
The Manchester United legend argued for consistent application of principles, criticizing what he described as “two weights, two measures.” “FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel,” Cantona stated, urging clubs and players globally to refuse matches against Israeli teams. he invoked the past example of the sports boycott against apartheid South Africa, emphasizing the power of collective action, stating, “We remember apartheid in South Africa. The sports boycott was crucial to end it.We have power, you have power. And all football fans have the power to leave the stands.”
cantona underscored the broader significance of international football, asserting, “I know that international football is more than sport, it is cultural, political. It’s soft power.” He concluded by reiterating his call for Israel’s suspension, believing it is time to remove the country’s “priviledge” to participate.
