FIFA postpones decision on Palestinian request to suspend Israel

FIFA has postponed a decision on the Palestinian request to ban Israel from international football until after the Olympic Games in Paris, saying both parties had asked for more time to present their positions.

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) had requested Israel’s suspension in May because of the Gaza war, after which FIFA ordered an urgent legal review and promised to address the issue at an extraordinary council meeting in July.

The world football association announced on Thursday that the legal assessment would now be submitted to the Council by August 31.

“After both parties requested an extension to submit their respective positions and this was duly granted by FIFA, more time is required to complete this process with due diligence and completeness,” FIFA said on its account X.

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said it received the letter from FIFA on Thursday informing it of the postponement. The PFA said it had asked FIFA for clarification on the process for processing the legal opinion.

“FIFA’s letter did not provide any further details on the mechanism by which the independent legal opinion would be considered by the Council if submitted,” the PFA said in a statement on Friday.

“The Palestinian Football Association has already asked FIFA several times for clarification on this matter.”

Reuters