Human rights group Amnesty International has condemned FIFA for its refusal to take necessary actions against the Israel Football Association concerning the inclusion of clubs from Israeli settlements in domestic leagues.
This criticism follows FIFA's recent decision to not impose sanctions on the Israeli federation after a formal complaint was presented by the Palestinian Football Association.
In a statement released on its official platform, Steve Cockburn, the Head of Economic and Social Justice at Amnesty International, accused FIFA of neglecting its own governing rules as well as established international legal obligations.
"By opting not to act against clubs in Israeli settlements, FIFA is neglecting its own regulations and openly violating international law. FIFA had an opportunity to advocate for the rights of Palestinians and uphold global laws; with this decision, it has regrettably chosen to forsake both," he asserted.
Amnesty’s stance is firmly grounded within both international legal frameworks and FIFA’s internal guidelines. Cockburn highlighted that the International Court of Justice has clearly stated that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful, that settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) are illegal, and that Israel must promptly withdraw from the OPT.
He emphasized that FIFA's statutes stipulate that its members cannot stage games in another member's territory without formal permission, further noting that at least six clubs operating from settlements in the OPT are currently part of Israeli domestic leagues.
"The continued acceptance of clubs from illegal settlements within Israel’s league legitimizes the status quo. By permitting such presence, the Israel Football Association indirectly validates Israel's unlawful occupation and the grave human rights abuses committed against Palestinians, including acts characterized as apartheid. FIFA must prioritize action in compliance with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions," Cockburn added.
Additionally, the organization demanded transparency in FIFA's decision-making processes, insisting that it must disclose any legal advice it has received concerning this issue and clarify the reasoning behind its contentious resolution.
In a response issued on March 19, FIFA explained that it will not take action, referencing the complicated nature of the conflict.
The body asserted that the legal status of the West Bank remains a complex and unresolved issue under international law, a position that has been challenged by various rights groups considering FIFA's previous interventions in governance and disciplinary matters involving its member associations.
Background to this dispute reveals it emerged from a complaint filed by the Palestinian FA in March 2024, requesting sanctions against the Israel FA over allegations of anti-Palestinian racism and the participation of settlement clubs in Israeli leagues. In October 2025, Amnesty International had also urged both FIFA and UEFA to suspend the Israeli federation unless these clubs were excluded.
Furthermore, separate from this issue, FIFA has already imposed punitive measures against the Israel FA. An inquiry initiated by the Palestinian FA led FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee to fine the Israeli federation 150,000 Swiss francs for repeated breaches of its anti-discrimination policies, including several mandated reform measures aimed at enhancing anti-discrimination initiatives.
Amnesty International also expressed concerns regarding the financial assistance provided by FIFA and UEFA to the Israel FA, suggesting that such support might contribute indirectly to the expansion of settlements and the associated human rights violations.
This situation illustrates the increasing overlap between global sports governance and geopolitical issues, as FIFA faces mounting scrutiny regarding its regulatory responsibilities amid intricate international disputes. As calls for accountability gain momentum, the decision will undoubtedly remain a contentious topic within both football and human rights communities.
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