The FIFA Governing Body Holds Plans to Delve Deeper into the Israel Football Association's Potential Future Engagements, Following a Petition by the Palestinians
The FIFA Council has conducted a comprehensive examination of this delicate issue and, based on expert advice, we've chosen this path, as communicated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a recent statement.
The ongoing chaos in the region underscores the necessity of priority being given to peace, as emphasized at the 74th FIFA Congress. Despite being deeply distressed by the situation, our thoughts go out to those affected. We implore all concerned parties to bring peace back to the region at the earliest opportunity.
CNN contacted both the Palestine Football Association (PFA) and the Israel Football Association (IFA) for their feedback on the decision.
Earlier this year, the PFA advocated for a FIFA ban against the IFA, its national teams, and club teams. This motion was first tabled in April and then presented at FIFA's Congress in May, with a decision due in July. However, the decision timeline was repeatedly postponed before today's announcement, and FIFA hasn't revealed when it will reveal the results of the investigation.
The PFA argued that the IFA was in violation of international law due to the occupation of the Gaza Strip, racism, and discrimination against Palestinian athletes in two Israeli clubs, and violation of FIFA statutes by allowing five Israeli clubs to participate in competitions on illegal settlements on Palestinian territory. These allegations have been refuted by the IFA.
FIFA commissioned an independent panel to gather evidence, which was presented to the 37-member FIFA Council on Thursday.
Following the hearing, the FIFA Council made two decisions and recommendations.
"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will be tasked with initiating a probe into the alleged discrimination accusation brought forth by the Palestine Football Association," the statement concluded.
"The FIFA Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee will be assigned to investigate – and subsequently advise the FIFA Council on – the participation of Israeli football teams in competitions that allegedly take place on Palestinian territory."
Both national teams have upcoming matches next week. Palestine faces Iraq in World Cup qualifying on October 10, while Israel plays France in the Nations League on the same day.
The ongoing discussion about football in the region also involves the Palestine Football Association (PFA), who advocated for a FIFA ban against the Israel Football Association (IFA) due to allegations of international law violations, racism, discrimination, and violation of FIFA statutes. Despite the refutation of these claims by the IFA, FIFA has commissioned an independent panel to gather evidence and has tasked the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to investigate the discrimination accusation.
