Former Real Madrid star accuses FIFA of double standards over Russia and Israel
Mesut Özil speaks out in support of Russian footballers (Photo: m10_official, Instagram)
Former Real Madrid and Arsenal footballer Mesut Özil has criticized FIFA for taking different approaches to Russia and Israel. He called on the organization to apply the same rules to all countries, Yeni Asır reports.
What Özil said about Russia's ban
The former midfielder spoke about the suspension of Russian clubs and national teams from international football competitions. He also compared the decision with allowing Israeli teams to compete.
"The sporting community has always brought people together. In this process, FIFA did not impose an embargo on Israeli teams, but it did on Russian teams. I want to address FIFA from here: stop applying these double standards and treat everyone equally," Özil said.
Where the former footballer made his statement
Özil shared his views in Istanbul, where he attended a veterans' match between Istanbul and Zenit. The game was held as part of the Verona Eurasian Economic Forum.
Istanbul was the last club of the German footballer's professional career. He previously played for Real Madrid, London's Arsenal, Schalke, and Werder Bremen.
Sanctions against Russia
Russian national teams and clubs were suspended from international football competitions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly spoken in favor of reviewing the restrictions. Russian teams have already been allowed to take part in a new youth tournament, the U-15 World Cup.
