Explained: The Udine protests before Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Israel

When Italy hosted Israel for a World Cup qualifier in the northern city of Udine on Tuesday, the football match took place amid heavy security measures and political tensions. Hours before kick-off, thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding that FIFA ban Israel from global football over its actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

According to police estimates, more than 5,000 demonstrators joined the march, organized by the Committee for Palestine-Udine, which urged the football governing body to “show Israel the red card.” The demonstration, which was largely peaceful for most of the evening, ended in clashes when some protesters threw fireworks and barriers at police, who responded with water cannon and tear gas.

Italy won the match 3-0 at the Friuli Stadium, but for many the bigger battle was over whether the sport can remain insulated from politics.

Why the protest focused on FIFA and Israel

The core of the demonstration was a call for FIFA to take the same position on Israel as it had towards Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Protesters argued that the Israeli football team “supports the occupation policy” and should therefore be excluded from international competition. They carried a Palestinian flag 18 meters long and a large red flag with the text ‘Show Israel the red card’.

«A ceasefire is not peace. There can be no peace without justice,» protester Valentina Bianchi said, summing up a sentiment echoed by many in the crowd.

The idea of ​​sports sanctions as moral pressure is not new. South Africa was expelled from FIFA in 1961 due to apartheid. Russia remains suspended from FIFA and UEFA events. Protest organizers cited these examples to argue that Israel’s case should be treated with similar urgency.

How Udine became a security fortress

Udine, a quiet city near Italy’s border with Slovenia, was turned into a security zone. Authorities feared unrest similar to previous demonstrations across Italy and imposed a series of restrictions: road closures, concrete barriers around the stadium, a ban on glass or metal containers and the removal of outdoor furniture from bars and cafes.

Some shops remained closed all day. Helicopters hovered over the city. Residents described an awkward atmosphere that was more like a summit conference than a football qualifier. “Such deployment of troops for a match should never happen,” said Paolo Lizzi, a local resident.

Only 9,000 fans attended the game – well below the 16,000-seat capacity – as officials assured the public of its safety. Udine Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni condemned the violence that marred the end of the protest and praised the police for their restraint.

FIFA’s position and the wider debate

For now, FIFA has not indicated any move to suspend Israel. Traditionally, the governing body avoids political sanctions unless directly imposed by international consensus or conflict-related interference in football governance. UEFA, which oversees European competitions, has maintained the same position, emphasizing the separation between sport and diplomacy.

Critics argue that this double standard undermines FIFA’s credibility, especially after its swift action against Russia. Supporters of the governing body’s position say football should remain a neutral platform and not an arena for political agendas.

With input from Reuters

Published on October 15, 2025