“We have a UEFA foundation for children. We are not living on another planet. We are living in this world. And when you see children dying all around the world because of — it’s a diplomatic statement, if I say — reckless politicians. Whoever thinks that ‘Stop Killing Children, Stop Killing Civilians’ is a political message is an idiot, for me,” Čeferin said.
“It’s terrible that children are dying because of political interest, starving to death. Mohammed, who was giving the medals [at last month’s UEFA Super Cup] with me, lost his mother and his father [in Gaza]. And he was heavily injured. I’ve never seen a child hugging me so much as he did. He needs love. He doesn’t need another bomb on his head because of a geopolitical interest,” he added.
The backlash UEFA received, in Čeferin’s view, is one example of a world now blighted by populism, extremism at both ends of the political spectrum, and a growing inability to candidly discuss sensitive issues.
“So, you know, in life probably many times it’s the best not to do anything. But if such a big thing is going on, such a terrible thing that doesn’t allow me to sleep — not me, all my colleagues — nobody in this organization said we shouldn’t do it. No one. Then you have to do what is the right thing to do,” he said.
The episode laid bare the delicate task of crafting messages that resonate across a fractured political and cultural landscape.
“Some extreme populist minorities from both sides were not happy,” Čeferin said, but added: “We’ve got tons of positive messaging. I was touched when I got some letters from people who said, ‘you are the only organization who did something.’ And from both sides. And I have full, full support from the Israeli Football Federation, from the president, who is a good friend of mine.