French lawmaker criticises match against Israel

Thomas Portes, a member of the National Assembly representing the left-wing La France Insoumise party. Photo: AFP

A French parliamentary representative called for the cancellation of a scheduled football match between France and Israel, sparking debate over sports and international relations.

Thomas Portes, a member of the National Assembly representing the left-wing La France Insoumise party, criticised France’s decision to host the Israeli national football team on Thursday.

“Sport has never been politically neutral – it has always been an instrument of international diplomacy,” Portes said in a statement. He noted that his party had made multiple previous requests to cancel the match.

The parliamentarian urged FIFA, football’s international governing body, to take action. “FIFA has the authority to suspend the Israeli Football Association,” he said.

La France Insoumise has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies. The match comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza that has drawn international attention and sparked debates about diplomatic relations with Israel.

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