Watchdog Urges Action Against Anti-Israel Campaign Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Watchdog Urges Action Against Anti-Israel Campaign Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Founder of Stop Antisemitism Liora Rez has called on FIFA and the White House’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Task Force to intervene and stop the controversial “Show Israel the Red Card” campaign ahead of the upcoming global soccer tournament.

Background of the Campaign

This anti-Israel campaign began in February during a UEFA Champions League match held in Scotland, where fans of Celtic FC displayed a banner urging FIFA and UEFA to sanction the Israeli national team for its actions in Gaza following the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Notably, despite the significant uproar, Celtic FC and its fans faced no penalties for the banner’s display.

Since its launch, reports indicate that the campaign has expanded beyond Scotland. It has gained traction in numerous European countries including Italy, Spain, and Belgium, as well as in Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, and Tunisia.

Lack of Response from FIFA

According to Rez, FIFA’s inaction on this pressing issue is deeply concerning. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, she expressed her frustration, stating, “We’ve seen absolutely nothing, which is so alarming. The head of FIFA has not taken any action or made any statements. None of the fans displaying these signs have been penalized or removed from the games. Therefore, we urge the task force established by President Trump to take proactive measures and declare that this behavior is unacceptable in the United States. It is not going to be tolerated here.”

Call for Strong Leadership from Gianni Infantino

Rez emphasized the need for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to adopt a more assertive position against this discriminatory campaign. “I believe it is imperative that this issue is addressed immediately. Gianni Infantino should publicly denounce all forms of bigotry and bias directed toward Israel, the only Jewish state in the world. As of now, he has not done so, and we are calling upon President Trump’s task force to demand that hostile rhetoric towards Israel cannot be accepted in the United States. Americans will not stand for it,” she asserted.

The Role of the Trump Administration

In a move to address such issues, President Donald Trump has appointed Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, as the executive director of the FIFA World Cup Task Force. Trumps initiated this task force in March via an executive order aimed at overseeing preparations for the soccer tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Trump is set to chair the task force, with Vice President JD Vance as vice chair. Giuliani’s responsibilities will include managing daily operations of the task force.

Additionally, recently announced by Trump, Carlos Cordeiro, who serves as a senior advisor at FIFA, will also join the task force. This group is designed to lead federal efforts in support of both the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Expectations for Collaboration

Rez expresses hope that Giuliani, leading the task force, will collaborate effectively with Gianni Infantino to convey a clear message that such rhetoric will not be tolerated in the United States. She stated, “We expect that Andrew Giuliani asserts his authority and works with Gianni Infantino to articulate a firm stance. Anti-Semitic sentiments, anti-Western rhetoric, anti-American attitudes, and pro-terrorism ideologies should not find a place in this country—whether expressed by fans or players. This is a matter of principle that we stand by firmly.”

Reaching Out to FIFA and UEFA

Fox News Digital has reached out to both FIFA and UEFA for comments regarding this situation, seeking insights on their official stance toward the ongoing campaign and any measures they plan to undertake to address concerns raised by organizations like Stop Antisemitism.

Continued Coverage of the Issue

This unfolding issue underscores a significant moment in sports and its intersection with geopolitical matters, especially as the World Cup approaches. As the world watches, many will be keenly interested in how governing bodies respond to calls for action against discrimination in sports.

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