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| 90mingist 📺 |
Football legend Eric Cantona has sparked intense global debate after publicly calling for Israel to be banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions. The former Manchester United and France forward, known for his outspoken views, compared the current conflict in Gaza to previous international sporting boycotts. ⚽🌍
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Cantona’s Argument 🔥
Cantona pointed out that just four days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, FIFA and UEFA moved quickly to suspend Russian teams and clubs. He questioned why, 716 days into what Amnesty International has described as a genocide in Gaza, Israel continues to participate freely in world football.
> “Why, why is it double standards? FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel. Clubs everywhere must refuse to play Israeli teams. Current players everywhere must refuse to play against Israeli teams,” Cantona declared.
He stressed that defending Palestinian rights is not the same as supporting Hamas or being antisemitic. Instead, he defined “Free Palestine” as:
Ending the occupation.
Stopping the caging of Palestinians in Gaza.
Ending what he calls an apartheid system imposed by the Israeli government.
Giving Palestinians control over their own infrastructure and future.
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Sporting Boycotts in History 🏆✊
Cantona drew parallels with the global sporting boycott of apartheid South Africa, which played a crucial role in ending racial segregation in the 1990s. He argued that sport has the power to drive political change when governments fail to act.
“Football fans have power. Those teams represent you. It’s time for everyone to get off the sidelines. Who will follow me? You?” Cantona challenged.
His words echo a long tradition where sport intersects with politics. From Muhammad Ali’s refusal to fight in Vietnam to South Africa’s isolation during apartheid, football and sport have often acted as powerful platforms for justice.
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Reaction Around the World 🌐⚡
Cantona’s comments have ignited heated discussions across both sporting and political arenas:
Supporters of his stance argue that FIFA and UEFA should remain consistent with their treatment of Russia, applying the same principle of human rights to Israel.
Critics believe that football should remain neutral, warning that politicizing the game could create dangerous precedents.
Human rights groups welcomed Cantona’s voice, highlighting the need for solidarity with Palestinians living under constant bombardment.
Pro-Israeli organizations have accused him of bias and inflaming tensions at a sensitive time.
The debate reflects the wider split in international politics, where governments, organizations, and even athletes struggle to balance human rights concerns with diplomatic and sporting relations.
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Why It Matters ⚖️
Cantona’s remarks are significant not only because of his football legacy but also due to his enduring cultural influence. As someone who has always spoken against injustice, his words add weight to the growing global calls for accountability in Gaza.
Whether FIFA or UEFA will act remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Cantona has placed football firmly at the center of one of the world’s most urgent human rights debates. 🕊️
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Conclusion ✍️
Eric Cantona’s passionate call has reignited conversations about football’s role in politics and human rights. With comparisons to Russia’s suspension and South Africa’s boycott, the debate is now out in the open.
Will FIFA and UEFA listen? Or will football continue to be accused of double standards? Fans, players, and clubs across the world are now faced with a question: should the beautiful game take a stand?
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