President of the Palestinian Football Association requests urgent measures from FIFA and UEFA
The president of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), Jibril Rajoub, has requested that FIFA and UEFA take urgent action against Israel. The request is based on the consideration that football cannot remain on the sidelines in the face of what he describes as genocide, occupation, and the systematic destruction of sports infrastructure. In letters addressed to both bodies, Rajoub requests a review of the status of the Israel Football Association (IFA). In addition, he calls for the expulsion of clubs located in Palestinian territories and the opening of an independent investigation. The proposed investigation would cover Israeli officials, players, and fans. The aim would be to analyze possible cases of incitement, racism, and support for military actions. The Palestinian leader recalled that, since October 7, 2023, 416 Palestinian footballers and officials have died. Among them, more than a hundred children are counted. Rajoub also denounced the destruction of stadiums and the interruption of the leagues.Rajoub highlighted that FIFA has already made similar decisions in the past, mentioning the cases of South Africa, Yugoslavia, and Russia. He warned that the lack of current action could undermine FIFA’s own statutes and values. The PFA president urged Gianni Infantino and Aleksander Čeferin to respond firmly in the upcoming executive councils. Palestine hopes that the international football community will send a clear message. This message should indicate that racism, apartheid, incitement, occupation, and genocide have no place in sport.Palestinian football faces systematic eradication.
Jibril Rajoub
