Italian football coaches have called for Israel’s suspension from international competitions, Italy’s news agency ANSA has learned.

The Association of Italian Coaches (AIAC) wrote on Tuesday to Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina, asking for action for Gaza and for a request to be submitted to UEFA and FIFA for temporarily suspending Israel from international competitions.

The Italian national football team will face Israel in the World Cup qualifiers between September and October.

The association led by Renzo Ulivieri described the initiative as “not just a symbolic action, but a necessary choice,” in response to a “moral imperative,” shared by the “entire leadership team.”

“The values of humanity, which underpin those of sport, compel us to oppose acts of oppression with terrible consequences,” Ulivieri said.

Israel has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, and led to deaths by starvation.

-AA