Riola Rez, a prominent figure known for her stance against anti-Semitism, has urged FIFA and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force in the White House to end the “show Israeli Red Card” campaign ahead of the upcoming tournament.
This campaign started in February during a UEFA Champions League match in Scotland, where Celtic FC fans displayed a banner calling on Israel’s affiliated organizations—FIFA and UEFA—to penalize the Israeli national team due to the country’s actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. Notably, Celtic FC and its supporters received no sanctions regarding this banner.
Since its inception, the campaign has expanded to include support from Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, and Tunisia, now reaching other European nations like Italy, Spain, and Belgium.
Rez expressed frustration at FIFA’s lack of response, saying, “We definitely haven’t seen anything, but that’s really amazing.” She noted that FIFA’s leadership, particularly Gianni Infantino, has not taken action to deter this movement, stating that fans displaying these signs face no repercussions. She suggested that a stronger stance is needed, remarking, “I think we need to eradicate it soon.” Rez emphasized the need for Infantino to make a clear declaration against bias and prejudice directed at Israel.
She continues, “Americans are not going to support this kind of isolation and slander against Israel.” Her appeal extends to President Trump’s task force, suggesting that they should advocate against this bias.
On another note, Trump signed an executive order in March to establish this task force, designed to oversee soccer tournaments taking place in the US, Canada, and Mexico, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Andrew Giuliani, the son of Rudy Giuliani, has been named the executive director of this task force.
The task force aims to facilitate federal support for these international events, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance taking on prominent roles within it.
As the situation develops, Fox News Digital has reached out to FIFA and UEFA for responses, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding these pivotal events.
