Palestinian Football Association calls on FIFA regarding Israel

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA), in a written application submitted to FIFA, has requested the termination of the Israel Football Association's FIFA membership on the grounds that it has failed to take necessary steps against human rights violations caused by Israel's attacks since October 7, as well as discrimination and racism within the Israeli league.

"All football infrastructure in Gaza, including the historic Al-Yarmouk Stadium, which has been turned into a concentration camp by Israeli occupation forces, has either been destroyed or severely damaged," the PFA stated, emphasizing that the destruction in question has also been documented by multiple international organizations.

The application, which states that the Israel Football Association has failed to take necessary steps against discrimination and racism in its own league, noted that this situation "constitutes a direct violation of Article 3 of the FIFA Statutes."

The PFA cited social media posts by Israel Football Association officials that "show strong support for the genocide in Gaza," as well as social media posts by some Israeli football executives and clubs, including a Facebook post by the Maccabi Netanya club, as examples.

Furthermore, the PFA stated that fans of the Beitar Jerusalem club in the Israeli league "proudly" declare themselves to be Israel's "most racist team" and use insults such as "terrorist" against other Arab football players in the league.

News Source: AA