Roya News | FIFA postpones decision to ban “Israel” from international football

FIFA has postponed its decision on the Palestinian Football Association’s (PFA) request to ban the Israel Football Association (IFA) from international football, FIFA announced on Friday.

FIFA stated that the independent legal assessment of the Palestinian claims against “Israel” was originally scheduled to be submitted to the FIFA Council by 20 July 2024. However, due to extension requests from both parties involved, FIFA has granted additional time to ensure that the assessment is carried out thoroughly.

The final assessment will now be presented to the FIFA Council by 31 August 2024 at the latest.

This delay means that the “Israel” national football team is eligible to participate in the Paris Olympics, which are scheduled to begin on July 26. The men’s gold medal match is scheduled for August 9.

The PFA, led by its president Jibril Rajoub, called for the suspension of “Israel” during the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok in May.

Rajoub criticised FIFA for the perceived lack of urgency and seriousness compared to other cases and asked how long the Palestinian football community would have to go without action.