Khaberni - A coalition of professional athletes has called on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to suspend Israel's participation in all competitions.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that a group of 48 athletes decided to sign a petition demanding the expulsion of Israel and Israeli clubs from all international competitions.
French Club Monaco player Paul Pogba signed this courageous initiative, joining Moroccan Hakim Ziyech, former Egyptian captain of Ipswich Town Sam Morsy, former English cricketer Moeen Ali, and it remains to be seen whether this petition will ultimately lead to sanctions against Israel.
The statement read: "As professional athletes from diverse backgrounds, religions, and beliefs, we believe that sports should uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and humanity."
It added: "Sports cannot stand idly by while athletes and civilians, including children, are killed indiscriminately and en masse in Gaza".
The statement continued, "International sports have previously moved to protect the integrity of sports and support the values they represent when a country’s actions fundamentally violate these principles by infringing on human rights and international law."
It affirmed that "we face a new test of our collective conscience today, silence and inaction are not acceptable options".
The statement by "Athletes for Peace" demanded the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to immediately suspend Israel's participation in all competitions until it complies with international law and stops the widespread killing and starvation of civilians.
The statement mentioned the death of Suleiman Al-Obeid, commonly known as the Palestinian Pele, last month, who, according to the Palestinian Football Association, was killed when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza.
"Sports Stars", the official representative body for Muslim athletes in the UK, is coordinating the "Athletes for Peace" statement, which stated that it has received contacts from athletes "from all religions" to help spread their message to the broadest audience possible.
According to several media outlets, UEFA executive committee members may soon vote on suspending the membership of the Israeli Football Association due to the war on Gaza, and the vote may be held as early as next week.
Athletes Who Signed the Petition
Football
Anwar El Ghazi, Paul Pogba, Hakim Ziyech, Cheick Doucoure, Sam Morsy, Keshi Anderson, Elias Chair, Ryan Colclough, Hassan Hameed, and also Raheem Conté, Cyrus Christie, Sidy Khan, Akwasi Asante.
Also signed the petition are Tanel Salk, Yusuf Saleh, Idris El Mizouni, Eisa Suliman, Momo Dabre, Adi Yussuf, Fuad Bashiru, and also Michel Termanini, Farouk Miya, Ibra Sekagya, Yassine El Neyah, Lamin Kaba Sherif, Yakou Meite, Khalil Dervisoglu, Boy Waterman, Titi Njenga, Jonathan Benitez.
Also joined the signatories are Antonio Cizza, Leyla Benaras, Cheick Diabate, Haroun Hameed, Richard Chin, Ali Sesay, and also Reda Dormisi, Tofik Olomuwole, Harry Panayiotou, Panutche Camara, Ziad Larkeche, coach Nigel Pearson, Ali Ragab.
Cricket
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Moeen Ali
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Ajaz Patel
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Abtaha Maqsood.
Rugby
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Ellis Genge
Equestrian
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Khadija Mellah
Boxing
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Zak Chelli
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Tai Mitchell
Palestine Football Club
