FIFA, the world’s football governing body, deferred its decision on a request by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) to suspend Israel. The PFA has accused the Israel Football Association (IFA) of breaking FIFA’s discrimination rules, calling for Israeli teams to be banned from FIFA competitions.
At its congress in Bangkok in May, FIFA had planned to review the request before July 20. However, FIFA postponed the decision to allow independent legal experts more time to complete their analysis. On Thursday, FIFA’s ruling council in Zurich adopted the recommendations made by these experts.
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The council decided to launch an investigation into allegations of discrimination against the IFA. FIFA’s governance, audit, and compliance committee will also examine the participation of Israeli football teams allegedly based in Palestinian territories.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the need for peace in the region. “The ongoing violence confirms that above all considerations, we need peace,” he said. He urged all parties involved to restore peace immediately. FIFA’s disciplinary committee will lead the investigation, while the council awaits further updates on the matter.
The situation remains delicate as both FIFA and international bodies closely monitor the ongoing conflict and its broader impacts.
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