FIFA has postponed its decision on a proposal to suspend the Israeli soccer team from international soccer due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The proposal came from the Palestine Football Association, which is against the war. Israel launched its attack on Hamas following a terror attack in the country, and FIFA will make a decision on the proposal within two months. They will seek a legal assessment to ensure fair and proper procedures are followed.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that independent legal expertise will be used to analyze and assess the requests made by the Palestinian Football Association. This assessment will consider inputs and claims from both member associations and will be forwarded to the FIFA council for review. An extraordinary FIFA Council meeting will be convened before July 20 to review the results of the legal assessment and make appropriate decisions. The Palestine Football Association called for immediate sanctions against Israel due to alleged violations of international laws and the destruction of football infrastructure in Gaza.
Jibril Rajoub, the leader of the Palestine Football Association, claimed that the Palestinian people are enduring a humanitarian catastrophe, with many soccer players losing their lives as a result of the conflict. FIFA President Infantino emphasized the need to apply the statutes and regulations of FIFA in a fair and impartial manner, despite personal convictions on the matter. He also highlighted that all 37 member nations unanimously condemned the violence that has taken place and stressed the importance of football remaining a force for good that unites people.
Infantino explained that a vote on the proposal could not take place on Friday and would have to be discussed by the FIFA governing council. He expressed his desire not to divide the 211 member countries and to adhere to FIFA’s statutes and regulations in addressing the sensitive issue. The FIFA Council emphasized that football should not be influenced by politics and should always serve as a unifying force rather than a source of division. The Associated Press contributed to this report and Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for updates on this developing story.
