FIFA has once again delayed a ruling on the Palestinian Football Association’s (PFA) call to ban Israel from international football, amid Israel’s war on Gaza.
Following a meeting held at its Zurich headquarters on 3rd October, FIFA announced that its disciplinary committee would investigate allegations of discrimination made by the PFA.
The PFA has accused Israel of violating FIFA statutes by allowing Israeli football teams to operate in settlements on occupied Palestinian land and called for sanctions against Israel’s national and club teams.
These accusations follow the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant destruction of sports facilities and the deaths of athletes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the organization is conducting “due diligence” and will follow the advice of independent experts. FIFA’s Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee will also examine Israeli football teams’ participation in competitions within Palestinian territories.
This is not the first time FIFA has delayed a decision on this issue. The governing body had previously deferred its ruling at an extraordinary meeting in July, then again in August, before moving it to October.
The PFA’s legal department criticized the repeated delays, calling the decision “purely political” and expressing frustration over FIFA’s inaction.
The conflict in Gaza has severely impacted Palestinian football. According to the PFA, over 410 sports officials, coaches, and athletes—297 of whom were footballers—have been killed. In addition, more than 50 sports facilities, including stadiums, have been destroyed.
As FIFA continues to postpone its decision, the PFA and other advocates express growing concern over the sport’s role in a larger geopolitical conflict.
The IFA has condemned the PFA’s request as a “cynical political move” and has defended its position amid increasing international scrutiny.
