Palestinian FA urges FIFA to ban Israel after report on discrimination
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has renewed its demand for the expulsion of the Israeli Football Association from FIFA. Jibril Rajoub, head of the PFA, criticized FIFA’s recent penalty against the Israeli association as insufficient. He cited ongoing issues such as racism, alleged criminal activity, and the participation of clubs from Israeli settlements. The PFA claims that the situation in Gaza has led to the deaths of athletes and destruction of sports facilities.
Match highlights
- The PFA called for a ban on the Israeli Football Association following a FIFA report citing “multiple breaches” of anti-discrimination rules.
- Jibril Rajoub stated the penalty imposed by FIFA—150,000 Swiss francs—was not enough and highlighted alleged racism and criminal activity within Israeli sports.
- Rajoub claimed 1,007 athletes and coaches were killed in Gaza and 265 sports facilities damaged since the war started in October 2023.
- FIFA’s disciplinary committee found the Israeli association failed to act against Beitar Jerusalem for persistent racist behavior.
- FIFA announced no action would be taken regarding Israeli clubs based in West Bank settlements participating in Israel’s leagues.
