Overview
- Launched on Change.org by Mauro Berruto and signed by 44 Pd parliamentarians, the petition calls on Italian members of the IOC and the heads of CONI and FIGC to urge the suspension of Israel from all international sports competitions.
- It describes the move as an “act of responsibility” and cites claims that Gaza’s conflict has killed tens of thousands, including at least 636 Palestinian athletes, while destroying more than 90 percent of Gaza’s sports infrastructure.
- The initiative represents a minority position within the Pd, as top leaders including secretary Elly Schlein and group presidents did not add their names to the appeal.
- Fratelli d’Italia and Lega denounced the proposal as unacceptable, arguing that sport should unite rather than exclude participants.
- No formal response has been received from CONI, FIGC or international federations, leaving the petition’s impact uncertain ahead of Italy’s scheduled match against Israel on October 14.