https://arab.news/vsd5e
Football fans worldwide are unequivocally challenging FIFA’s continued support for Israel, organizing with unprecedented unity for Palestine. Unlike previous actions, this mobilization is now notably well-coordinated, widespread and consistent.
Long gone are the days when much of the sport’s solidarity emerged from the fanbase of Glasgow Celtic, Chile’s Deportivo Palestino or Arab teams. Gaza is now the undisputed focal point of sports solidarity worldwide. The consequences of this are arguably the most significant in terms of achieving global awareness of the Israeli genocide in Gaza in particular, but also of the Israeli military occupation and apartheid in the whole of occupied Palestine.
For years, the mainstream media did its utmost to ignore the pro-Palestine flags, banners and chants. When solidarity exceeded tolerable levels, whether in Scotland or Chile, football’s authorities cracked down with fines and various other punitive measures. Nowadays, however, such tactics are utterly failing. At times, Celtic Park seems to be one massive pro-Palestine rally, while numerous other clubs are joining in or expanding their efforts.
In and around Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League final match against Inter Milan on May 31, it seemed as if the entire PSG supporters’ activities focused on Palestine. Chants of “Nous sommes tous les enfants de Gaza” (We are all the children of Gaza) echoed everywhere, inside and outside the stadium. As soon as Achraf Hakimi scored the opening goal, a massive banner was unfurled that read: “Stop the genocide in Gaza.”
