Palestine Soccer Association Steps Up Effort to Get Israel Kicked Out of World Soccer Federation

The Palestinian Football Association made a formal appeal on Tuesday for the Israeli Football Association to face a ban, following a FIFA report that uncovered numerous instances of non-compliance with anti-discrimination rules.

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Palestinian Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub, who also serves as the head of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, reiterated his organization's commitment to seeking the expulsion of the Israeli Football Association from international institutions during a press conference held in the occupied West Bank city of Al-Bireh.

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Rajoub described the 150,000 Swiss francs ($190,700) fine imposed on the Israeli Football Association by FIFA as a "significant decision", while also expressing his view that the penalty fell short of the minimum required.

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Rajoub cited several key factors in support of a ban, including the Israeli Football Association's "racist nature", alleged involvement of Israeli sports officials in criminal activities, and the participation of football clubs from Israeli West Bank settlements in the Israeli federation.

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A recent report by FIFA's disciplinary committee found that the Israeli Football Association had failed to take adequate action against Beitar Jerusalem, a club accused of "persistent and well-documented racist behaviour".

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Rajoub characterized Beitar Jerusalem as "an extreme example of racism, fascism, and discrimination", while also suggesting that such attitudes are prevalent in Israeli football clubs.

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Rajoub elaborated on the alleged criminal activity of Israeli sports officials, referencing the killing of athletes and destruction of sports facilities in Gaza during a two-year period of conflict.

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According to Rajoub, 1,007 athletes and coaches were killed in Gaza, and 265 sports facilities were damaged, since the conflict began in October 2023, with some Israeli sports figures either participating in or openly supporting these actions.

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However, due to media restrictions and limited access in Gaza, it has not been possible to independently verify the casualty figures or freely report on the fighting.

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At least five football clubs based in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are currently members of the Israeli Football Association.

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In a separate investigation, FIFA determined that no action would be taken against the Israeli Football Association regarding allegations that Israeli clubs based in the occupied West Bank were participating in Israeli leagues.

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The United Nations has consistently condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which have been under Israeli occupation since 1967, as illegal under international law.

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Israel is a member of UEFA, the governing body for European football.