Story perspectives

ICC Complaint Filed Against FIFA and UEFA Leaders

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

International organizations submitted a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on February 16 against FIFA president Gianni Infantino and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
The complaint alleges that they aided war crimes and crimes against humanity by permitting Israeli football clubs from illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territory to compete in official leagues.
Advocacy groups claim this practice normalizes Israel's occupation and breaches international law, emphasizing the need for accountability in sports organizations.
FIFA and UEFA have faced criticism for their inaction on Israeli settlements while quickly suspending Russian teams following the Ukraine conflict.

History

Historical Context

The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established in 1998 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. In 2015, the Palestinian National Authority joined the ICC, alleging Israeli war crimes during the 2014 Gaza conflict. In 2023, FIFA faced scrutiny for its handling of Israeli football clubs in occupied territories, raising questions about accountability in international sports amidst previous actions against Russia following the Ukraine conflict.

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Story summary

International organizations submitted a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on February 16 against FIFA president Gianni Infantino and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
The complaint alleges that they aided war crimes and crimes against humanity by permitting Israeli football clubs from illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territory to compete in official leagues.
Advocacy groups claim this practice normalizes Israel's occupation and breaches international law, emphasizing the need for accountability in sports organizations.
FIFA and UEFA have faced criticism for their inaction on Israeli settlements while quickly suspending Russian teams following the Ukraine conflict.

1 / 2