Fans worldwide are unequivocally challenging FIFA’s continued support for Israel, organizing with unprecedented unity for Palestine. Unlike previous actions, this mobilization is now notably well-coordinated, widespread, and consistent.

Long gone are the days when much of the sports solidarity emerged from the fanbase of clubs like Celtic, Deportivo Palestino, or Arab teams. Gaza is now the undisputed focal point of sports solidarity worldwide. The consequences of this are arguably the most significant in terms of achieving total global awareness of the Israeli genocide in Gaza in particular, but also of the Israeli military occupation and apartheid in the whole of occupied Palestine.

For years, mainstream media did its utmost to ignore the pro-Palestine flags, banners, and chants. When solidarity exceeded tolerable levels, whether in Scotland or Chile, FIFA cracked down with fines and various other punitive measures. Nowadays, however, such tactics are utterly failing. Celtic Park, at times, seems to be one massive pro-Palestine rally, and numerous other clubs are joining in, or expanding their efforts.

In the Paris Saint-Germain UEFA Champions League final against Inter on May 31, it seemed as if the entire PSG supporters’ activities focused on Palestine. The chants of ‘Nous sommes tous les enfants de Gaza’ – “We are all the children of Gaza” echoed........

© Middle East Monitor