The Palestine Football Association (PFA) has urged FIFA, the international governing body of football, to impose sanctions on Israeli teams in response to the conflict in Gaza.
The PFA’s proposal, supported by six other member nations, is slated to be discussed at FIFA’s upcoming congress in May.
In response to the petition, Israel’s football association stated on Wednesday that it has consistently adhered to FIFA regulations and pledges to continue doing so.
The PFA, in a statement released on Tuesday, condemned the loss of innocent lives, including 99 footballers, and the destruction of residential units in Gaza as clear violations of international law.
According to the PFA, all football infrastructure in Gaza has been either destroyed or severely damaged.
The association highlighted specific incidents, such as the detention of scores of stripped Palestinians, including children, in Gaza City’s Yarmouk stadium in December 2023, as evidence of the dire situation.
The PFA has also called on FIFA to address the inclusion of football teams based in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, arguing that such inclusion implicitly recognizes Israeli sovereignty over these settlements, which contravenes international law.
The settlements, deemed illegal under international law, host at least five football clubs that are members of the Israeli Football Association.
Despite AFP requests for comment, FIFA has not responded.
The PFA has criticized FIFA for its perceived inaction against discrimination and racism within its jurisdiction, citing incidents such as the case of Beitar Jerusalem Football Club, where former defense minister Benny Gantz advocated for placing the club’s fan club, La Familia, on a terror list due to anti-Arab violence.
