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In March 2023, FIFA moved with remarkable speed. Indonesia lost the right to host the Under-20 World Cup after political opposition emerged to Israel’s participation, a team that had qualified on merit. The governing body’s message was unmistakable: footballers must not become collateral damage in geopolitical disputes. Players had done nothing wrong. Discrimination against a qualified team was incompatible with the spirit and rules of the game.

Few would disagree with that principle. The deeper question is whether FIFA is prepared to apply it consistently.