Israel Football Chief Responds to Fifa's Decision Not to Suspend Over Settlement Teams
The Israel Football Association (IFA) has expressed relief after a Fifa committee recommended no action against it following a complaint from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) regarding teams based in West Bank settlements participating in IFA competitions. This decision comes as the IFA simultaneously faces a separate fine and warning from Fifa's disciplinary body for discrimination in football.
Fifa Committee Rejects Palestinian Call for Suspension
The Palestinian Football Association lodged a formal complaint ahead of the 2024 Fifa Congress, urging the global football governing body to suspend the Israel Football Association due to the involvement of teams from Israeli settlements in IFA-authorised events. However, Fifa's Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC) has recommended against taking any punitive measures.
The GACC stated that "the final legal status of the West Bank remains an unresolved and highly complex matter under public international law." This recommendation effectively allows the Israel Football Association to continue its operations without suspension, though the underlying issues remain contentious.
Israel Football Association Welcomes Decision
Shlomi Barzel, the IFA's head of communications, welcomed the committee's recommendation, saying: "We are constantly working in various ways to repel time and time again desperate attempts to harm Israeli football for political reasons. This will not stop, but there are those who listened to us with a willing heart and understood very well that they should not fall into this trap."
Barzel added: "I am convinced that we will continue to face great challenges in the international arena, but also beautiful days on the pitch." The legal status of the West Bank remains disputed; in 2024, the International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal under international law, though Israel considers the territory disputed rather than occupied.
Separate Discrimination Fine Imposed on Israel FA
Meanwhile, Fifa's disciplinary committee has imposed sanctions on the Israel Football Association following another PFA complaint concerning discrimination. The IFA was handed a substantial fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately £142,000) and issued a formal warning regarding its conduct.
Additionally, the Israel Football Association has been ordered to display a banner reading "Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination" alongside the IFA logo at its next three top-tier home international matches. This measure aims to promote anti-discrimination messages within football.
Israel FA Addresses Discrimination Ruling
Mr Barzel addressed the discrimination ruling separately, stating: "Even before the fine regarding racism was decided the IFA and the clubs acted, are acting, and will act even more vigorously against the sickening scourge. Even if the fine was one dollar, the very use of racism is repulsive. It is never consolation that there is also ignorance in other places."
The Palestinian Football Association has been approached for comment regarding both Fifa committee decisions, but no response has been reported at this time. The dual outcomes highlight the complex intersection of politics, international law, and sports governance in global football.
