In a rare move that has drawn international attention, former Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl has refused FIFA’s invitation to join the ‘FIFA Legends’ team ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
Her decision was not merely symbolic. It was a direct protest against the use of sport to whitewash institutions, while Palestinian footballers in Gaza are killed and denied the safety to play.
Rejecting the FIFA award and upholding human values
Lindahl said that taking part in any activity linked to FIFA’s ‘Peace Award’ would exploit her image to sanitise the organisation’s actions toward Palestinian athletes.
She stated:
Sport is not about slogans or promotional images. It is a platform for justice and human rights. Remaining silent about the killing of athletes in Gaza betrays the values and spirit of the game.
She added that FIFA lacks credibility if it continues to ignore daily violations against Palestinian players.
An explicit call for FIFA to protect Gaza’s players
Lindahl went beyond rejection and issued a direct call for FIFA to act immediately to protect footballers in Gaza.
She noted that hundreds of Palestinian athletes have been killed or injured during the conflict. Any inaction, she argued, amounts to tacit complicity in these violations.
Lindahl stressed that Palestinian athletes must be guaranteed the right to play safely. She urged FIFA to transform sport into a tool for justice rather than a public relations exercise.
A bold stance that exposes sporting conscience
Her stance comes amid growing scrutiny of international sporting bodies operating during conflicts. It places clear moral pressure on FIFA to take a decisive position.
Lindahl has shifted from sporting legend to a global advocate for human rights in sport. She insists that football must reflect justice and humanity, not serve as symbolic cover for institutional silence.
An ethical test for world football
Lindahl’s message is stark: players in Gaza deserve life and justice before ceremonies or symbolic awards.
Her stand places FIFA before a genuine moral test and reopens debate about the responsibility of sporting organisations to protect civilian athletes and uphold human rights.
Featured image via Chelsea FC
By Alaa Shamali
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