www.Athletes4Peace.org

Call to Suspend Israel from UEFA

As professional athletes, coaches, and sports professionals of diverse backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs, we believe sport must uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and humanity. 

International sport has acted before when a nation's actions fundamentally violated human rights and international law. In recent history, Russia was suspended from UEFA and FIFA competitions following its invasion of Ukraine. This was done to protect the integrity of sport and to uphold the values it stands for.

Today, we face another test of our collective conscience. The ongoing killing of civilians, including children, in the occupied Palestinian territories has been widely documented by the United Nations and leading human rights organisations.

This month, the world lost Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé”, a footballing talent who inspired countless children. According to the Palestine Football Association, he was killed when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza. In life, he brought hope through sport; in death, he has become a stark reminder of why the world must act.

As the official representative body for Muslim athletes in the UK, Nujum Sports has been approached by players from across sports, Muslim, non-Muslim, and of no faith, who want to stand together in calling for justice. These athletes have entrusted Nujum Sports to amplify their message and ensure it reaches governing bodies, the media, and the global sporting community. Our role is to coordinate their voices, protect their right to speak out on human rights issues, and uphold the principle that sport must never be silent in the face of injustice.

These actions violate international humanitarian law and contradict the principles of respect, safety, and peace that sport represents.

We, the signatories of Athletes 4 Peace (athletes4peace.org), call upon UEFA to immediately suspend Israel from all competitions until it complies with international law and ends its killing of civilians.

Sport is not neutral in the face of injustice. To remain silent is to accept that the lives of some are worth less than others. We believe in one standard for all nations and all people, justice without double standards.

Signed,

Athletes4Peace