In 2017, FIFA insisted that it would not take action against the IFA, insisting that it would remain "neutral on matters of politics and religion." However, Russia was immediately banned from the 2022 World Cup after its invasion of Ukraine. FIFA's motto "For the game. For the world" seems to apply only to certain parts of the world. From an article by Scottish writer and activist Coll McKay.

A football match in honor of the head of Guinea's military junta, Mamadi Dumbuya, caused a stampede when fans, unhappy with the referee's controversial decisions, descended on the stadium. As a result, according to unconfirmed reports, more than 100 people, including children, died.

Real Madrid and German national team defender Antonio Rüdiger congratulated his followers on the month of Ramadan and published a picture of himself pointing up to the top of the index finger. Journalist Julian Reichelt considered his gesture to be a sign of a connection with a terrorist organization. The player sued the journalist.

Midfielder Mahamadou Diawara has left the French youth team after being banned from taking an iftar break during a football match in France.

UEFA General Secretary Theodor Theodoridis asked whether Israel will be banned from football competitions like Russia: "The positions of Israel and Russia are different. Israel will not be excluded from the tournaments," he answered

After scoring a goal against Tarbzonsport club, Israeli football player Sagiv Ezekiel, who plays for Turkey's Antalyaspor club, showed his support for Israel's genocide in Gaza by showing the inscription "100 days since October 7" and the Star of David on his wrist to the camera. Later, Israeli Eden Kartsev, who plays for "Bashakshehir", also published a post with the word "100 days" on social networks. These actions of athletes caused intense discussions.