The father of Palestinian national footballer Mahmoud Sarsak, who is set to be released by Israel on 10 July following a three month hunger strike, has said that it is “unbearable” that Israel will host the tournament “while it routinely arrests, tortures, imprisons and kills Palestinians, including football players, without consequence” Read more about Whitewashing apartheid, European football federation claims Israel tournament "will bring people together" 

Top European footballers, including Seville striker Frédéric Kanouté, call on Israel to free Mahmoud Sarsak as international concern mounts for the young Palestinian footballer’s life. Read more about "In the name of sporting solidarity": Top European athletes call for Israel to release Mahmoud Sarsak