FIFA Double Standards Criticism Legislator Regarding Sanctions Postponement For Israel: Inconsistent!

Photo by Peter Glaser on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Sukamta criticized the dual standard policy implemented by FIFA on the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) against Israel. He considered FIFA's decision to postpone sanctions for Israel to be inconsistent and unfair.

"We convey sharp criticism of FIFA for the decision of the world football organization which is inconsistent in implementing sanctions," said Sukamta, Friday, October 4.

FIFA has postponed the decision to impose sanctions on Israel and has stated that it will investigate allegations of discrimination filed by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). PFA has submitted a proposal to FIFA regarding sanctions for Israel since May.

After being suspended three times, FIFA again did not make any decisions regarding the request for sanctions from Palestine for Israel. Sukamta, who in the previous period served in Commission I in charge of international relations affairs, said FIFA appeared to have applied double standards by never imposing sanctions on the Israeli Football Federation.

"Even though Israel continues to commit acts of violence and genocide against the Palestinian people," he said.

Sukamta also highlighted the question of Israel, which recently attacked Lebanon, killing more than 1,057 people and injuring more than 2,950 others. He considered FIFA to have explicitly carried out double standards in this regard.

"FIFA has taken a firm stance on suspending Russia from the 2022 World Cup in response to the country's attacks on Ukraine," Sukamta said.

Double standards themselves represent different treatment of certain individuals or groups who should be treated in the same way. To that end, Sukamta condemned the FIFA's stance of delaying sanctions for Israel.

"When Israel continues to violate human rights in Palestine, no sanctions have been imposed by FIFA on the Israeli Football Federation," said the legislator from the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) electoral district.

Sukamta then mentioned when FIFA canceled Indonesia as the host of the U-20 World Cup after a wave of rejection from the Indonesian people against the presence of the Israeli national team as participants.

"The decision to cancel Indonesia as the host of the U-20 world cup is proof that FIFA is able to make drastic decisions, but why when it comes to Israel, FIFA actually chooses to remain silent?" Sukamta said.

Sukamta also encouraged PSSI as an Indonesian football organization to take part in this issue.

"PSSI as part of FIFA must also play a role in encouraging justice to be also upheld by FIFA for Palestine," he said.