Eric Cantona, former football legend and actor, has publicly
called for a boycott of Israeli football at the Together for Palestine event,
urging the sports world to take a stand against Israeli policies. His statement
has sparked wide media coverage and reactions across the football and political
communities.
Eric Cantona’s Boycott Call at Together for Palestine Event
As reported by Martha Kelner of The Guardian, Eric Cantona delivered a passionate speech at the Together for Palestine rally held in London on 16 September 2025. Cantona called for an official boycott of Israeli football teams, emphasizing that sports should not be isolated from politics and human rights concerns. He said,
“The global football community must stand united and refuse to engage with Israeli football until justice is served for Palestine”.
The BBC’s interpretation of Cantona’s statement, outlined by correspondent John Simpson, highlights that Cantona stressed the power of boycotts and cultural sanctions as peaceful means to pressure for political change. Simpson reported,
“Cantona pointedly linked the fight for Palestinian rights with global sport, urging fans, players, and governing bodies to reconsider their associations with Israeli football” .
Al Jazeera’s sports editor, Yasmin Al-Khatib, added that Cantona’s speech came amid rising calls from Palestinian advocacy groups who argue that Israeli football clubs operate within a disputed political landscape that arguably legitimizes apartheid-like policies. Al-Khatib noted,
“Cantona urged international football authorities to heed the voices of those suffering and to use their influence to end complicity through silence” .
Background of Together for Palestine Event
The Together for Palestine event, organised by coalition
groups supporting Palestinian human rights, brought together activists, celebrities,
and former athletes to raise awareness of ongoing conflicts in the region.
According to The Guardian’s event coverage, the rally featured speeches,
performances, and a public signing of a manifesto calling for sports sanctions
against Israel.
Reactions within the Football World
The BBC reports mixed reactions from football officials and
players. Some have supported Cantona’s stand as morally principled, while
others caution against mixing politics excessively with sport. The Israeli
Football Association released a statement condemning calls for boycott as
“unfair politicisation” and calling for dialogue and coexistence through sports
.
The Guardian quoted former footballer and commentator Graeme Le Saux, who said,
“While Cantona’s intentions are clear, the football community must weigh the consequences carefully and seek solutions that promote peace and inclusion rather than division”.
Political and Social Implications
Al Jazeera contextualised the call amid broader geopolitical tensions, noting that sports boycotts have been used historically as leverage in anti-apartheid and other human rights movements. Cantona’s stance may reinvigorate debate about international responsibility in conflict zones and the role of high-profile athletes in advocacy. Al Khatib concluded,
“The challenge remains whether sport’s governing bodies will respond with engagement or resistance to such activist demands” .
Eric Cantona’s call for a boycott of Israeli football at the Together for Palestine event marks a significant moment in the intersection of sports and political activism. It has garnered both support and criticism, highlighting the enduring complexities of addressing political conflicts within global cultural platforms like football.