FIFA Competitions Senior Technical Specialist Alisher Nikimbaev commented on the decision not to suspend the Israel national team from participating in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
"Perhaps UEFA wants to exclude Israel from official tournaments, but everything depends on FIFA's position. FIFA’s stance today depends on the USA. Everyone knows the USA is Israel’s main and only ally. Israel has no more supporters left. It has crossed all boundaries," Nikimbaev told Telecomasia.net.
This is an unfortunate situation. Politicians control football. We are used to this. Infantino tries to be friendly with Trump, so FIFA aligns itself with the US position.
Earlier, FIFA rejected proposals to suspend Israel from international tournaments. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated the organization "cannot solve geopolitical problems."
