FIFA faces backlash in Toronto over Israel ties ahead of Canada World Cup match

On Friday, protestors unrolled a massive red banner on top of a World Cup logo sign adjacent to a major highway in Toronto, protesting FIFA’s ties with Israel, just hours before Canada’s first game.

While the banner was prominent to commuters on the Gardiner Expressway-on their way to the home team’s opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Toronto stadium.

Notably, organized efforts by a group of activists include demands for the release of prominent doctor Hussan Abu Safiya who was detained by the Israeli military in Gaza in late 2024. A spokesperson for the activists, Faisal Ibrahim accused FIFA of colluding with Israel’s actions against Palestinians.

“While people are paying attention to the games, I think it’s important for them to also be aware of the institutional complicity of organizations that are holding these games,” activist Faisal Ibrahim told The Maple.

“While they claim not to be political in nature, they actually serve a role to normalize erasure and occupation through sports washing Israel’s image.”

Global soccer’s governing body clarified in March that it would take no action against Israeli clubs accused by the Palestine Football Association of competing while allegedly based in Palestinian territory.

In addition, UN experts have also called on FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations to restrict Israel from international football.