Manchester City's manager has launched a scathing attack on Israel's actions in Gaza and criticised global leaders for their inaction during a Monday interview with Spanish radio station RAC1.
Pep Guardiola's forceful remarks come as Barcelona prepares to host a charity match between Catalonia and Palestine at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The 54-year-old Catalan expressed profound dismay at what he perceives as the international community's failure to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
His intervention represents one of the most direct political statements from a Premier League manager on the conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives since October 2023.
Pep Guardiola savaged world leaders over Israel and Palestine's conflict
|REUTERS
During the interview, Guardiola declared that "the whole world has left them alone" and questioned the terminology surrounding the crisis.
"They are not to blame for being born in Palestine. The boys or girls, fathers or mothers, or grandmothers and grandfathers born there," he stated.
The former Barcelona manager challenged those who dispute the use of certain terms to describe the situation.
"Because they say, 'don't say genocide', I wonder what it is then," he said.
He emphasised the scale of devastation, stating: "There, for a very long time now, we have allowed the destruction of an entire people.
"I can't imagine a person in this world who could defend this."
The Manchester City boss named several world leaders whilst expressing his disillusionment with global leadership.
"Be it [Benjamin] Netanyahu, [Donald] Trump, [Volodymyr] Zelensky, Trump again, [Vladimir] Putin, whoever it is," he said, before adding: "I have little faith."
Gaza has seen serious levels of destruction over the past couple of years
| GETTYGuardiola made his position unequivocal during the radio appearance.
"I am absolutely taking the side of Palestine, the innocent people who are murdered daily," he declared.
He highlighted the power imbalance in the conflict, noting that whilst one side possesses "extremely powerful weapons," the other lacks such capabilities.
The manager suggested that current leaders resort to force rather than pursuing diplomatic solutions through ceasefires or symbolic gestures.
His comments reflect growing frustration amongst public figures regarding the international response to the Gaza crisis.
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Tuesday's charity fixture has attracted significant public interest, with more than 25,000 tickets purchased for the event organised by ACT X Palestine.
All revenue generated from the match will be directed towards humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts in Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage throughout the conflict.
Guardiola emphasised the significance of the occasion beyond its charitable purpose.
"It's more than just a symbolic match," he explained during his radio appearance.
The Manchester City manager suggested the event would demonstrate international solidarity.
Pep Guardiola is part of a charity match in aid of Gaza
| GETTY"These days, everyone knows everything and with this game, the Palestinians will see that there's a part of the world that cares about them," he said.
The match represents a convergence of sport and humanitarian advocacy, utilising football's platform to address one of the world's most pressing crises.
The conflict has resulted in approximately 70,000 Palestinian deaths since Hamas killed around 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages on 7 October 2023, according to Gaza's health ministry figures.
A United Nations commission of inquiry determined in September that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, allegations which Israel has rejected.
Guardiola's statements coincide with mounting pressure from the sporting community, as approximately 70 athletes recently signed a petition through Athletes 4 Peace demanding UEFA ban Israel from international competitions.
The signatories include Crystal Palace players Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure, former England cricketer Moeen Ali, and ex-Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson.
The Republic of Ireland Football Association similarly urged European football's governing body to suspend Israel in November, reflecting growing calls for sporting sanctions.