World football transcends mere sport; it's also about politics, according to Eric Cantona. He urges FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel.
In a powerful speech at the "Together for Palestine" concert in London on Wednesday, former Manchester United player Eric Cantona urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international football competitions. The event, initiated by British musician Brian Eno, was attended by artists such as Billie Eilish and actors Richard Gere and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Cantona, known for his support of the Palestinian cause, argued that a country represents itself on a global stage through international football competitions. He believes that Israel's participation in these competitions is a double standard, comparing the current situation to the measures taken against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
The former footballer contends that Israel is still allowed to play in international competitions despite Amnesty International calling the situation a genocide. He argued that this is a stark contrast to the treatment of Russia, which was banned from various competitions following its invasion.
Cantona stated that international football has cultural, political, and soft power implications. He called on clubs to refuse to play against Israeli teams and urged current players to follow suit. He believes that by doing so, they can make a significant impact in supporting the Palestinian cause.
Throughout his career, Cantona has been vocal about his support for Palestine. His speech at the concert was just the latest example of his commitment to the cause. As the world watches, it remains to be seen if his call for action will resonate with the football community and lead to real change.
