Italy’s sports minister has insisted that a World Cup qualifying football match between Italy and Israel, set to be played in Udine on 14 October, is to go ahead as scheduled.
Andrea Abodi was responding to questions from journalists on Friday in relation to the controversy surrounding the upcoming Italy-Israel match.
“What is the difference between Israel and Russia, which is excluded from sporting competitions? I believe there is a difference, and I weigh my words responsibly” – Abodi said – “Russia is an aggressor, Israel was attacked, perhaps this is completely forgotten. It all started, regardless of judgments and how it’s developing, on 7 October 2023.”
Petition
An online petition calling on the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Minister Abodi to cancel the match has gained more than 8,000 signatures (as of Tuesday evening).
The ‘Stop the Game’ campaign was launched by Francesca Druetti, national secretary of the leftwing Possibile party, and Andrea Di Lenardo, group leader of the Green and Left Alliance – Possibile in the Udine city council.
“Solidarity with the Palestinian people and the condemnation of Israel’s actions in front of the eyes of the world are growing, now even from those who have previously remained silent or justified Israel’s actions”, the petition states.
Citing the 2022 precedent when FIFA and UEFA excluded Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, petition organisers claim that the upcoming Italy-Israel game “violates an international law… that protects the national football teams of a country under military attack. How can this football match be played under these conditions?”
The online campaign also recalls the 635 Palestinian athletes who have been killed in the conflict: “The latest was Suleiman Obeid, nicknamed ‘the Pelé of Palestine,’ killed on 6 August while waiting for the distribution of humanitarian aid. Playing Italy-Israel is an affront to the memory of the victims and to those who care about sport and human life.”
Last October, amid tight security, Italy played against Israel in Udine where pro-Palestinian protests were held before the National League match, which Italy won 4-1.
Similar demonstrations are planned in Udine ahead of the Italy-Israel game on 14 October.