Italian Coaches’ Association call for Israel to be suspended by UEFA and FIFA

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: An Italy flag is waved by a fan prior to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Ahead of Italy’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Israel, the Italian Coaches’ Association has written a formal letter urging for Israel to be suspended from international competition over the war in Gaza.

The Azzurri are set to play Israel in Group I, on neutral turf in Debrecen on September 8, then hosting them at the Stadio Friuli in Udine on October 14.

There were already protests in the stands and intense security measures taken the last time Italy played Israel, which was also in Udine in October 2024.

Since then, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically, with the United Nations warning of “starvation” and the blockade of aid trucks.

Italian Coaches Association wants Israel suspended

With all this in mind, news agency ANSA note the Assoallenatori (Italian Coaches’ Association) wrote a letter to FIGC President Gabriele Gravina urging UEFA and FIFA to temporarily suspend Israel from international football.

“This must not be just a symbolic gesture, but a necessary choice, which responds to a moral imperative, shared by the entire directorial board,” wrote Assoallenatori President Renzo Ulivieri.

“After an internal meeting, the national directive of the Assoallenatori unanimously agreed to send a letter and appeal to the FIGC President Gravina and all the Federal authorities, because Italian football must take a stand in favour of the Palestinian people and request to UEFA and FIFA that Israel be temporarily suspended from international competition.”

Vice-President Giancarlo Camolese also spoke to news agency ANSA on behalf of the Association of Coaches.

“People might want us to just shut up and play, turn to look the other way, but we don’t believe that is right.”

The situation was also brought home by the recent death of Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the Palestinian Pele, with Liverpool star Mo Salah asking FIFA why the reason for his death had not been mentioned in a tribute.

“The world is on fire. Many people are suffering like the Palestinians. Indifference is inadmissible,” added Assoallenatori vice-president Francesco Perondi.