FIFA Council Decides to Further Investigate Future Participation of Israel Football Association After Palestinian Request
The FIFA Council has accepted the Palestinian Football Association’s (PFA) petition against Israel for human rights violations and decided to launch an investigation into the alleged discrimination claims raised by the PFA. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will be tasked with investigating the alleged discrimination, while the FIFA Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee will examine the participation of Israeli football teams allegedly based in Palestinian territories in Israeli competitions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the need for peace in the region, stating, “The FIFA Council has conducted thorough due diligence on this highly sensitive issue and, after careful evaluation, we have adhered to the guidance of independent experts. The persistent violence in the region underscores the necessity for peace, as emphasized during the 74th FIFA Congress. We are deeply distressed by the current situation and extend our thoughts to those affected. We call upon all parties to promptly restore peace in the region”.
The investigation follows a request from the PFA, which proposed in May that Israel be suspended from international football due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The PFA asserts that Israel’s football federation has breached FIFA regulations and is advocating for sanctions against the national teams and clubs of Israel.
