The Association of Italian Football Coaches (AIAC) has called on FIFA and UEFA to temporarily suspend ‘Israel’ from international competitions, citing a “moral imperative” and a humanitarian crisis.

The request, which was unanimously approved by the association’s national board and sent to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), highlights the “too many innocent deaths,” including “many athletes,” in the ongoing conflict.

AIAC President Renzo Ulivieri stated that “the values of humanity, which underpin those of sport, compel us to oppose acts of oppression with terrible consequences”.