The FIFA Council, the main decision-making body of world football’s governing organization, is set to consider possible sanctions against the Israel Football Federation (IFF) on Thursday. This deliberation follows a proposal submitted by the Palestine Football Association (PFA) at the 74th FIFA Congress in May.
The PFA’s proposal alleges that the IFF has committed “violations of FIFA regulations” and calls for “immediate and appropriate sanctions against Israeli teams, including national representative teams and club teams.”
The PFA’s core arguments for sanctions are multi-faceted:
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Violations: The PFA cites the war in Gaza, claiming the IFF is complicit in the Israeli government’s actions, which have resulted in the destruction of Palestinian football infrastructure (like the Al-Yarmuk stadium) and the death of numerous footballers.
- Territorial Violation (Settlement Clubs): The PFA argues the IFF violates FIFA statutes by including clubs based in illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory within its national league, which goes against FIFA rules prohibiting a member association from playing on the territory of another member association without approval.
- Discrimination and Racism: The PFA also accuses the IFF of failing to take decisive action against discrimination and racism within its jurisdiction, citing instances involving specific clubs and fan behavior.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously referred the matter to the Council, stating it required a thorough legal assessment. The Council will be meeting amid escalating geopolitical tension in the region, including Israel’s ground invasion in southern Lebanon.
The President of the IFF, Shino Moshe Zuares, has previously called the PFA’s action a “cynical political and hostile attempt… to harm Israeli football.” Due to security concerns, Israel is currently playing its Nations League home matches in Hungary, and an away game against Belgium was also moved to the country.
