Overview

• The AIAC sent a formal letter to FIGC president Gabriele Gravina requesting a temporary suspension of Israel, with the request to be forwarded to UEFA and FIFA.
• Italy is scheduled to face Israel in 2026 World Cup qualifiers on September 8 in Debrecen at a neutral venue and on October 14 in Udine.
• The letter frames the move as a moral duty related to the war in Gaza, cites the Oct. 7 Hamas attack for context, and accuses Israel of genocidal retaliation and daily massacres.
• The AIAC cited the alleged killing of Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, a claim not confirmed by Israeli authorities.
• UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin recently reiterated opposition to banning athletes and said Israel remains eligible to play, while prior FIFA reviews on suspension bids have been delayed.