FIFA And UEFA Judged To Apply Double Standards, Egypt Legend Urges Israel To Be Punished Like Russia

JAKARTA – Former Egyptian footballer Mohamed Aboutrika criticized the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the European Football Union (UEFA). The two football giants have been urged to punish Israel along with their sanctions against Russia.

Russia's national team and clubs were recently banned by FIFA and UEFA from playing in international competitions. The sanctions were a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The firm reaction of FIFA and UEFA due to the Red Bear State's military operation to Ukraine was then responded to by Aboutrika. He emphasized that the same sanctions must also be accepted by Israel, which has often carried out aggressions against Palestine for decades to date.

"The decision to ban the Russian club and national team from all competitions must be accompanied by a ban on those affiliated with Israel, who have been killing children and women in Palestine for years. You are using double standards," Aboutrika said in an interview with Quds News Network, quoted from Palestine Chronicle.

In fact Palestine repeatedly urged FIFA to take action against Israel. This is because Israel has repeatedly violated international law.

However, FIFA did not heed Palestine. In a 2016 statement, FIFA said that in line with the general principles set out in their statutes, they must remain neutral on political matters.

The Russian Football Federation (RFS) itself did not remain silent with the punishments they received from the two sports parents. They are now ready to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

RFS said in a statement it would file a lawsuit and demand that Russia's men's and women's national teams be allowed to compete. Included in the qualifiers for this year's World Cup in Qatar.

The Russian national football team is scheduled to play a World Cup qualifying play-off against Poland. However, in the end, FIFA ruled out the participation of the Red Bear team.

In fact, previously FIFA allowed Russia to participate, but on the condition that there was no flag and national anthem in the match. However, FIFA later changed their attitude along with UEFA which declared the Russian national team and its clubs banned from competing.