Soccer coaches in Italy advocate for Israel's suspension from UEFA and FIFA due to the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The Italian Soccer Coaches' Association (AIAC) has taken a significant step in urging UEFA and FIFA to consider suspending Israel from international sporting competitions. The call comes amidst escalating concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the region.

In a formal letter sent to the Italian soccer federation, the AIAC has expressed its deep concern over the situation in Gaza. The letter, which will be forwarded to European and world soccer's governing bodies, calls for Israel's temporary exclusion from sporting competitions. The decision was made following a unanimous vote by the AIAC's board of directors.

Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian soccer federation and a senior vice-president of UEFA, has been made aware of the AIAC's stance. The vice president of the AIAC, Giancarlo Camolese, stated that they could focus on playing, but believe it is not right to ignore the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Francesco Perondi, another vice president of the AIAC, echoed these sentiments, stating that indifference is unacceptable. He emphasised that given the ongoing war in Gaza, it is legitimate, necessary, and a duty to request Israel's temporary exclusion from sporting competitions.

The AIAC's call for action is not without precedent. Russian teams have been suspended by UEFA and FIFA since the full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Similarly, FIFA and World Rugby have suspended Israeli teams from their competitions following the AIAC's communication.

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is worsening, with the UN warning that starvation and malnutrition in the Palestinian territory are at their highest levels since the war began. The Palestinian death toll from the 22-month war has passed 62,000 earlier this month.

The AIAC represents a large community of Italian coaches and technical staff at all levels of soccer. Their letter of appeal represents the widespread feelings present within this community. The Azzurri played against Israel in Udine last October in a Nations League match that saw protests before and during the game and intense security measures, with snipers on the roof of the stadium.

Despite this, no team in a UEFA member federation has refused to play an Israeli opponent. Italy is scheduled to play against Israel in a World Cup qualifier on Sept. 8 in Debrecen, Hungary, and host the return match in Udine on Oct. 14.

The AIAC, with its around 18,000 members, is urging UEFA and FIFA to consider the gravity of the situation in Gaza and the potential impact of their decision on the ongoing conflict. The AIAC believes that the pain of the past should not cloud anyone's conscience and humanity, and that indifference is not an option.