Milan, 2 October (LaPresse) – The FIFA Council met today in Zurich, attended by President Gianni Infantino, Swiss Football Association President Peter Knäbel and European Club Association (ECA) President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. In light of global tensions and geopolitical conflicts, President Infantino emphasised in his opening speech the importance of promoting peace and unity, particularly in the context of the ongoing situation in Gaza. No decision was taken on the requests from various parties to exclude Israel from international competitions, as was the case for Russia and Belarus. ‘FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by leveraging its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values,’ Infantino said in a statement. ‘At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world. Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey at this time is one of peace and unity,’ said Infantino, who also acknowledged the ongoing dialogue with the presidents of the confederations on this issue.
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