FIFA President Gianni Infantino issued an appeal for protesters to keep calm ahead of Israel’s upcoming soccer World Cup qualifying matches in Norway and Italy after an agreement was reached with Hamas to a pause in their devastating two-year war.
Pro-Palestinian protesters approached the gates of the Italy squad’s training center in Florence last week to demand that next Tuesday’s Italy-Israel match in Udine isn’t played — part of a national strike that saw millions of activists take to the streets.
Infantino, who is Swiss-Italian, was asked on the sidelines of a European Football Clubs (EFC) assembly in the Italian capital on Thursday what his message would be ahead of Israel’s games and projected protests.
“Now everyone should be happy about (the peace plan) and everyone should support the process,” Infantino told reporters. “Of course this goes beyond football — but includes football as well.”
Israel visits Norway on Saturday
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insideeducation.co.za
