NEW YORK / WASHINGTON — A coalition of advocacy groups and fan organizations unveiled a striking billboard in New York’s Times Square on Tuesday calling for the European soccer federations to ban Israel and its players from competition. The public campaign, dubbed #GameOverIsrael, is pushing for sweeping action from federations in Belgium, England, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Scotland, and Spain, citing ongoing violence in Gaza.
(Subheading: “From Times Square to Europe: Boycott Demand Gains Momentum”)
The billboards, erected near the intersection of Broadway and West 43rd Street, include the strong wording “Israel is committing genocide.” Organizers say that the term “genocide” was only permitted after the billboard company reviewing the United Nations Commission of Inquiry report that concluded Israel has committed genocide in Gaza — an assertion Israel vehemently rejects. The campaign emerges just months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with New York hosting eight World Cup matches including the final.
(Subheading: “World Cup Stage and the Stakes”)
Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), urged that “Americans must not allow our stadiums to become platforms for whitewashing war crimes,” in reference to the upcoming global tournament. He announced the campaign in partnership with several European organizations demanding that all football governing bodies take “immediate and decisive action” against Israel’s national team and Israeli players.
The Israel Football Association responded sharply, questioning when campaigners would condemn earlier attacks, including October 7, and demanding the release of Israeli hostages, describing such targeted boycott calls as hypocritical or politically motivated. Israeli officials have strongly denied the genocide claim, with its ambassador to the UN labeling the findings “scandalous” and “fake.”
Israel currently ranks third in its World Cup qualifying Group I, behind Norway and Italy. In UEFA’s qualification structure, group winners directly enter the tournament while runners-up must compete in playoffs. As the #GameOverIsrael campaign begins, it raises complex questions about the intersection of sports, diplomacy, morality, and international law.
