Iran calls FIFA and football unions to "completely suspend" the Israeli Federation "of all football-related activities" Iran's demand also calls for "immediate and serious measures" by FIFA to prevent the continuation of Israel's "crimes" The war in the Gaza Strip was triggered by an unprecedented attack carried out on October 7 by Palestinian Hamas against Israel, which left more than 1,160 dead, mostly civilians. The Islamic Republic does not recognize Israel, its sworn enemy, and prohibits all contact between Iranian and Israeli athletes.