Mesut Özil Accuses FIFA of Double Standards on Israeli Football
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Former Arsenal player Mesut Özil called for a boycott of Israeli football at an economic forum in Istanbul, accusing FIFA of a double standard for sanctioning Russian teams but not Israeli ones. He participated in a veterans' match and criticized FIFA's policies, stating it was unfair. Goksel Gumuşdağ, head of Istanbul Başakşehir's basketball team, agreed, deeming sanctions on Russia excessive and advocating for football's separation from politics.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mesut Özil called for a boycott of Israeli football, citing FIFA's double standards.
- Özil accused FIFA of sanctioning Russian teams but not Israeli teams.
- The former Arsenal player made his remarks at the Euro-Asian Economic Forum in Istanbul.
- Özil has a history of anti-Israel statements, including support for Israel's destruction.
- Goksel Gumuşdağ supported Özil's criticism, calling sanctions on Russia excessive.
Former Arsenal player Mesut Özil used a friendly match in Istanbul on Thursday to call for a boycott of Israeli football, accusing FIFA of a double standard. Özil, a devout Muslim who opposes the existence of Israel, spoke at the Euro-Asian Economic Forum, where he participated in a veterans' match between Beşiktaş and Zenit. He criticized FIFA for not sanctioning Israeli teams in recent years while imposing penalties on Russian teams. "I want to appeal to FIFA, this is a double standard," Özil stated, contrasting the treatment of Israeli and Russian sports organizations. This is not the first time Özil has made anti-Israel statements; he previously shared a story supporting the destruction of Israel. Goksel Gumuşdağ, head of the Istanbul Başakşehir basketball team, echoed these sentiments, calling the sanctions on Russia excessive and arguing that football should remain separate from politics. He believes Russia should be allowed to compete like any other nation.
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