Mesut Özil calls for FIFA to end double standards regarding Russia

Former German international Mesut Özil has called on FIFA to end what he describes as “double standards” regarding the treatment of Russian and Israeli football teams. Speaking in Istanbul during the Verona Eurasia Economic Forum, Özil argued that while Russian teams have been under embargo since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, no such sanctions have been applied to Israeli teams.

Özil, who retired in 2023 after playing for clubs including Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Başakşehir, emphasized that football should serve as a tool for peace and bring people together regardless of origin or faith. He urged the governing body to treat all nations equally.

His comments were supported by Göksel Gümüşdağ, the president of the Turkish club Başakşehir. Gümüşdağ echoed the sentiment, stating that the sanctions against Russia are unfair given the lack of similar measures against Israel in football or other sports. He called on FIFA and UEFA to demonstrate fairness and reopen the path for Russian competition.

The statements followed a veterans’ friendly match between Başakşehir and Zenit Saint Petersburg, which took place as part of the forum's events.