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. Remaining silent about the killing of athletes in Gaza betrays the values and spirit of the game. An explicit call for FIFA to protect Gaza’s playersLindahl 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. Lindahl stressed that Palestinian athletes must be guaranteed the right to play safely.