UEFA ‘rubber-stamping apartheid’ in Palestine by allowing Israel to play, warns Amnesty

Human rights group Amnesty International has accused UEFA of turning a blind eye to genocide and rubber-stamping apartheid in Palestine by permitting Israel to compete in its competitions. Israel begins its 2026-27 Nations League campaign on Thursday against Austria, before scheduled matches against the Republic of Ireland and Kosovo. Due to security concerns, Israel's home fixtures are being held in Hungary, while an away match against Ireland was shifted to Serbia behind closed doors.

Amnesty International director for Europe Steve Cockburn urged UEFA and FIFA to suspend the Israel FA, highlighting its inclusion of clubs in illegal settlements. Cockburn warned against using sport as a public relations platform for atrocities amid escalating international condemnation of Israel's military actions. The Israeli FA declined to comment, and inquiries were submitted to UEFA and FIFA.