Former German international playmaker Mesut Özil has accused football's world governing body, FIFA, of applying double standards regarding international sanctions and disciplinary actions.
Speaking alongside officials from Turkish club Istanbul Başakşehir following a match connected to the Verona Eurasian Economic Forum, the 38-year-old former midfielder highlighted stark inconsistencies in how global conflicts are addressed within the sport. Özil pointed out that FIFA acted swiftly to suspend Russian national teams and clubs from all international competitions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, yet has refrained from sanctioning Israeli teams during the ongoing conflict in Gaza that escalated after the October 2023 attacks.
The retired playmaker, a long-standing and vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, urged football authorities to ensure equal treatment across all nations and conflicts. Emphasizing the broader role of the sport, Özil stressed football's capacity to bring communities together regardless of race, nationality, or religious beliefs, calling on FIFA to eliminate selective measures and uphold universal principles of fairness.
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