Mesut Özil Criticizes FIFA Over Double Standards Regarding Russia and Israel
The former German midfielder urged international football authorities to lift sanctions against Russian teams and treat all nations equally.
Former Germany star Mesut Özil has criticized FIFA for applying double standards in its handling of political issues within global football. During an appearance in Istanbul, the 2014 World Cup winner called on international sports bodies to treat all parties under the exact same criteria.
Özil's remarks were delivered on the sidelines of an event accompanying a friendly match between former players of Turkish club Başakşehir and Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg. He highlighted that while FIFA and UEFA implemented strict bans on Russian teams and clubs following the start of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, no similar sanctions have been imposed on Israeli teams despite military operations in Gaza.
Addressing the governing body directly, Özil stated: "I would like to appeal to FIFA from here, and I hope they stop applying double standards and treat everyone equally." He emphasized that football has historically served as a bridge to unite people and promote peace, irrespective of racial and religious differences.
The former Real Madrid and Arsenal playmaker has previously expressed support for the Palestinian cause, including sharing a social media post that featured a crossed-out map of Israel. His recent comments add to growing discussions within parts of the international sports community regarding parity in disciplinary measures.
During the same gathering in Istanbul, Başakşehir President Göksel Gümüşdağ echoed similar sentiments. He called on both FIFA and UEFA to lift the restrictions placed on Russian sports, describing the ongoing exclusions as unfair and arguing that athletic competition should remain entirely separate from political conflicts.
Despite calls to reinstate Russian squads, European football leadership maintains its current stance. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stated in late August that the organization does not intend to readmit senior Russian teams into international competitions until the military conflict in Ukraine concludes, noting that an entire generation of athletes is currently suffering the consequences.
Özil retired from professional football in 2023 following a career that included spells at Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahçe, and Başakşehir. He earned 92 caps for the German national team before retiring from international play in 2018.