Why did FIFA statements avoid mentioning Israel or its federation?

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FIFA Statements Did Not Mention Israel Amidst Calls for Suspension

Fifa president Gianni Infantino stated that football cannot solve geopolitical problems, and that the organisation is committed to using the sport's power to promote peace and unity. This stance was communicated in a statement following a Fifa Council meeting and in Infantino's social media posts, which focused on the ongoing situation in Gaza and the broader impact of conflicts worldwide. Notably, neither the official Fifa statement nor Infantino's Instagram post made any explicit reference to Israel or its football federation, despite mounting pressure and calls for Israel's exclusion from international competitions.
Emphasis on Peace and Unity

Infantino emphasised the importance of promoting peace and unity, particularly in light of the ongoing situation in Gaza. He articulated that while Fifa cannot resolve geopolitical issues, its mandate is to champion football by leveraging its inherent values of unification, education, culture, and humanitarianism. This perspective frames Fifa's engagement as one focused on the sport's positive influence rather than direct political intervention.
Meeting with Palestinian Football Association

Following the Fifa Council meeting, Infantino met with Jibril Rajoub, the chief of the Palestinian Football Association, at Fifa headquarters in Zurich. This meeting occurred shortly after Rajoub's engagement with International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry in Lausanne. Infantino publicly commended Rajoub and the PFA for their resilience during this period, as noted in his Instagram update.
Precedent of Russia's Ban

The context of these statements is set against a backdrop of growing calls to exclude Israel from international competitions. This pressure is amplified by Fifa's previous decision in 2022 to ban Russia from participating in football events following the invasion of Ukraine. The head of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, publicly advocated for Israel's ban, drawing a parallel with Russia's suspension.

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Why did FIFA statements avoid mentioning Israel or its federation?

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