Mesut Özil Criticizes FIFA Over 'Double Standards' Regarding Israel and Russia
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Former footballer Mesut Özil has called on FIFA to end perceived double standards regarding sanctions against Israeli and Russian clubs. Speaking after a friendly match in Istanbul, Özil argued for equal treatment, a sentiment echoed by Başakşehir president GökSEL Gümüşdağ. This marks Özil's latest public criticism of Israel, following previous controversial social media posts. Özil has also faced scrutiny for his political associations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mesut Özil urged FIFA to stop perceived double standards in sanctions against Israeli and Russian clubs.
- Özil argued for equal treatment of all countries by FIFA after a friendly match in Istanbul.
- Başakşehir president GökSEL Gümüşdağ supported Özil's call, deeming sanctions on Russia unfair.
- This is not Özil's first public anti-Israel statement; he has made controversial posts before.
- Özil previously drew criticism for his ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Former German footballer Mesut Özil has again spoken out against Israel, this time directing his criticism towards FIFA. Özil is calling on the global football governing body to address what he perceives as a double standard in its treatment of Israeli clubs compared to sanctions imposed on Russian clubs. He argues that both should be treated equally.
Özil's comments were made following a friendly match between veterans of Turkish club Başakşehir and Russia's Zenit in Istanbul. Başakşehir won the match 3-2. Özil stated to the Turkish press, "Football has always brought peace, and the world of sport has always united people." He then directly addressed FIFA, saying, "FIFA did not impose sanctions on Israeli clubs, but did impose them on Russian clubs. I want to appeal from here to FIFA: put aside this double standard and treat everyone equally."
GökSEL Gümüşdağ, the president of Başakşehir, echoed Özil's sentiments, criticizing the differential treatment. "There is a double standard here, and the whole world sees it," Gümüşdağ said. "While Israel is not subject to sanctions in football and other sports, the sanctions imposed on Russia are unfair. I think this is true not only in football but in every field. Therefore, we believe that the sanctions against Russia are not justified and should end as soon as possible."
This is not the first time Özil has made anti-Israel statements. In October 2025, he posted an image of a map of Israel with the word "Palestine" and a drawing of the Dome of the Rock, adding, "One day... flowers will bloom again in the lands of Palestine." In July 2024, he shared another map image with a red cross over "Israel" and "Palestine" written below it. Özil, a 2014 World Cup winner with Germany who played for clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Fenerbahçe, has previously drawn criticism for his close ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and for a tattoo associated with the far-right Turkish group "Grey Wolves."
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