Ex-Arsenal Star Mesut Özil Calls for Boycott of Israeli Football
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Former Arsenal player Mesut Özil is calling for a boycott of Israeli football, accusing FIFA of a double standard for sanctioning Russian teams but not Israeli ones. He made the remarks at a friendly match and has a history of anti-Israel statements. The head of Istanbul Başakşehir's basketball club also criticized the sanctions against Russia and the lack of action against Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mesut Özil called for a boycott of Israeli football, citing a double standard in FIFA sanctions.
- Özil questioned why Russian teams are sanctioned but Israeli teams are not.
- He has a history of anti-Israel statements and previously supported Israel's destruction.
- Göksel Gümüşdağ of Istanbul Başakşehir basketball club agreed with Özil's criticism.
- Gümüşdağ called sanctions on Russia excessive and unfair.
- Both men believe football should be kept separate from politics.
Former Arsenal player Mesut Özil has called for a boycott of Israeli football, citing a perceived double standard in international sports sanctions. Özil, an observant Muslim who opposes the state of Israel, spoke at a friendly match between veteran teams from Beşiktaş and Zenit as part of the Eurasian Economic Forum. He questioned why FIFA has not sanctioned Israeli teams in recent years while Russian teams have faced penalties, stating, "FIFA needs to intervene. This is a double standard."
Özil has a history of anti-Israel statements, including a past social media post supporting the destruction of Israel. He believes that sports should unite people and criticized FIFA's actions, suggesting that Israeli teams should face sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia. He argued that football should remain separate from politics.
Göksel Gümüşdağ, head of the Istanbul Başakşehir basketball club, echoed Özil's sentiments, stating that the sanctions against Russia are excessive and should end. Gümüşdağ also believes Israel should not be exempt from punishment while Russia is penalized, asserting that Russia should be allowed to compete like any other nation.
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