Double Standards In Global Sports By Hassan Idris

A policy of double standards is the unfair application of different rules, principles or judgements to similar situations, or groups, unfairly favoring one over another. Often reflecting hypocrisy, bias, or inequality, such as expecting different behaviors from men and women or holding ordinary citizens to stricter accountability than political figures, violating the principles of fairness and equal treatment.

This creates ethical concerns, damages credibility, and undermines trust, seen in areas from gender dynamics to international law. Indeed the issue of double standards in international politics and sports  has been a longstanding debate. The contrasting treatment of Israel and Russia in the context of international sports competitions highlights this issue.

While Israel continues to participate in international competitions despite its ongoing conflict with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Russia has faced extensive bans from international competitions due to its invasion of Ukraine. This discrepancy has sparked criticism, particularly from developing countries and organizations in the Global South, as well as from neutral observers who see it as an inconsistent application of principles.

Despite the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israel has not faced bans from international sports competitions, and continues to compete in international football events, including those held under the Federation of Association of Football (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEF), despite being geographically located in the Middle East. But Russian national and club football teams were banned from participating in international competitions, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and UEFA tournaments.

Israel has consistently participated in the Olympic Games without facing sanctions or restrictions, even during periods of heightened conflict in Gaza or the West Bank. Its teams are active in international basketball (FIBA) and other global competitions. Russian athletes were howver barred from competing under the Russian flag in many events, including in the Olympics, although some were allowed to compete as neutrals. They have faced restrictions in tennis and other individual sports, with some tournaments banning them outright in 2022.

Analysts argue that Israel’s continual participation reflects Western bias in international institutions, as Israel is often shielded from punitive measures due to itss strong alliances with countries like the United States and the European nations. The conflict in Gaza, which has claimed significant civilian casualties and accusations of war crimes, has not led to widespread sanctions against Israel in the sports world or other international arenas.

Following the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, the international community responded with unprecedented sanctions, which included bans on Russian athletes and teams from participating in global competitions. Western nations led the campaign of isolating Russia from the international stage, using sports as a platform to apply pressure.

Military operations in Gaza have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, including women and children, as well as widespread destruction. While there is international criticism, it rarely translates into tangible consequences for Israel in the global arenas. Israel benefits from its strong alliance with Western powers, especially with the U.S., which shields it from international sanctions and resolutions. The US always vetoed numerous United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions critical of Israel.

Western nations often frame Israel’s actions as self-defense against terrorism, particularly in the context of Hamas. Countries in the Global South have criticized the West for its selective application of principles. Many African, Asian, and Latin American nations view this as further evidence of Western hypocrisy and a lack of impartiality in global governance.

Human Rights organizations like the Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Israel of apartheid policies and systematic oppression of Palestinians. They argue that the lack of consequences for Israel undermines the credibility of international law. These organizations have also pointed out that using sports as a political tool against Russia, but not against Israel, demonstrates inconsistency.

Critics argue that the exclusion of Russian athletes from global competitions demonstrate the politicization of sports, which is supposed to be neutral and focused on uniting nations. The fact that Israeli athletes continue to compete despite the country’s ongoing conflict is seen as evidence that political interests dictate which countries face consequences.

Israel’s close ties with Western powers give it protection from sanctions, whereas Russia is seen as a geographical adversary. Israel’s strategic location in the Middle East and its role as a US ally in the region make it a key partner, while Russia’s actions is seen as a threat to the Western-led global order. Western media narratives often shape this public perception, and Israel benefits from a more favorable portrayal compared to Russia.

The contrasting treatment of Israel and Russia in international sports highlights clear double standards in the application of political and ethical principles. While Russia has been heavily sanctioned and excluded from global competitions due to the conflict in Ukraine, Israel has faced no such consequences for its actions in Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories.

This discrepancy underscores the influence of geopolitics, alliances, and media narratives in shaping international responses. The inconsistency has fueled criticism, particularly from the Global South, and raises important questions about fairness, impartiality, and the politicization of sports on the global stage.

*Hasssan Idris writes from Minna