Giant digital billboards lit up Times Square this week with a blunt message: suspend Israel from international soccer.
The display marked the launch of the #GameOverIsrael campaign, organized by a coalition of human rights groups, fan organizations, pro-Palestinian activists, and sports figures. The effort comes less than a year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Organizers said their aim is to pressure national soccer associations in Belgium, England, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Scotland, and Spain to boycott Israel. They are calling on those federations to refuse to play Israel’s national team, block Israeli players from joining domestic leagues, and press UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel from all international activity.
Among the groups behind the initiative are the Hind Rajab Foundation and Code Pink, both of which are known for their anti-Zionist stance.
Inspiration from Russia’s suspension
Abed Ayoub, director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said the campaign was inspired by the bans imposed on Russian national and club teams in 2022 after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“As the international community responded then, so it must respond now to Israel,” Ayoub said. That year, a wave of European boycotts forced FIFA and UEFA to suspend Russian teams, one of the strongest sporting sanctions ever imposed on a member nation.
Several high-profile European figures have joined the campaign, including former England striker and BBC pundit Gary Lineker, ex-Manchester United star Eric Cantona, and Irish actor Liam Cunningham, best known for his role as Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones.
They join a growing chorus of European fan groups and rights organizations pushing for Israel’s removal from competitions.
Spain’s prime minister this week called for Israel’s suspension, echoing moves taken against Russia. In Italy, coaches petitioned their federation for similar action, while Ireland’s football association urged UEFA and FIFA to “adopt a firm stance.” Pro-Palestinian demonstrations demanding Israel’s removal have also taken place in Rome, London, Paris, and Brussels.
Gaza casualties and FIFA criticism
Campaign organizers say hundreds of Palestinian athletes have been killed since the war began in Gaza, including prominent players such as Suleiman al-Obeid, nicknamed “the Palestinian Pelé,” and Mohammed Barakat. They cite the destruction of sports infrastructure across Gaza, from stadiums and training grounds to gymnasiums.
They also accuse FIFA of inaction over Palestinian complaints about matches held in Israeli settlements and claim Israel has used Gaza stadiums as detention sites. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced criticism in the campaign for his close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and for opening a FIFA office in Trump Tower in New York.