Aboutrika: ‘FIFA Complicit if Israel Plays On'
Speaking on Sunday during a television appearance analysing the Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool, Aboutrika said: 'There are 760 Palestinian athletes martyred by Israel, including 420 footballers, while 140 football facilities have been destroyed.'
He criticised what he saw as double standards: 'FIFA and UEFA stopped Russia over its war on Ukraine. When will the Israeli occupation be stopped? We don't want just words, we want real action.'
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, co-hosted by 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States — the latter staging the majority of matches, including the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
Aboutrika argued that the tournament should be taken away from the US, accusing Washington of direct complicity with Israel. 'Do not celebrate with the real estate broker (referring to former US president Donald Trump) on the podium at the Club World Cup final, with hands stained with Palestinian blood,' he said.
He added: 'France, Britain and Germany are starting to wash their hands of Israel's crimes. This is an occupation, and there is a resistance defending its land. If FIFA and UEFA are serious, they must ban Israeli teams; otherwise, they are complicit — as are we if we remain silent.'
According to Gaza health authorities, Israeli military action since October 7, 2023, has killed 61,430 Palestinians, injured more than 153,000 and displaced hundreds of thousands, amid widespread destruction and famine.
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