by InTrieste
Italy’s sports minister said on Friday that a World Cup qualifying match between Italy and Israel, scheduled for Oct. 14 in Udine, will take place as planned, despite growing public calls for its cancellation.
Andrea Abodi addressed the matter after questions from reporters about the controversy surrounding the game.
“What is the difference between Israel and Russia, which is excluded from sporting competitions? I believe there is a difference, and I weigh my words responsibly,” Mr. Abodi said. “Russia is an aggressor, Israel was attacked. Perhaps this is completely forgotten. It all started, regardless of judgments and how it’s developing, on Oct. 7, 2023.”
An online petition urging the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Mr. Abodi to cancel the match has drawn more than 8,000 signatures as of Tuesday evening. The “Stop the Game” campaign was launched by Francesca Druetti, national secretary of the left-wing Possibile party, and Andrea Di Lenardo, the Green and Left Alliance – Possibile group leader in the Udine city council.
“Solidarity with the Palestinian people and the condemnation of Israel’s actions in front of the eyes of the world are growing, now even from those who have previously remained silent or justified Israel’s actions,” the petition states.
The organizers, citing the 2022 decision by FIFA and UEFA to exclude Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, argue that the Italy–Israel fixture “violates an international law… that protects the national football teams of a country under military attack. How can this football match be played under these conditions?”
The petition also highlights the deaths of 635 Palestinian athletes in the conflict, including Suleiman Obeid, nicknamed “the Pelé of Palestine,” who was killed on Aug. 6 while waiting for humanitarian aid. “Playing Italy–Israel is an affront to the memory of the victims and to those who care about sport and human life,” it reads.
In October last year, under tight security, Italy hosted Israel in Udine for a Nations League match, which Italy won 4–1. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place before the game, and similar protests are planned ahead of the Oct. 14 qualifier.
