FIFA opens investigations into Israeli football

FIFA has announced two new investigations following claims made by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) against Israeli football authorities. The decision was made during a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, based on independent legal advice.

The first investigation will examine the PFA's allegation of discrimination by Israeli football authorities. The second will focus on a specific claim that clubs based in illegal settlements on occupied territory have been allowed to participate in competitions licensed by the Israeli FA.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the sensitive nature of the matter and called for peace in the region. He stated that football should remain a vector for peace and not become hostage to politics.

The original Palestinian submission, presented in May at the FIFA Congress in Bangkok, called for immediate sanctions against Israeli teams in response to alleged human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law. It also highlighted concerns about Israeli teams operating in Palestinian territory.

Following the congress, Infantino commissioned a legal review to assess the claims of both member associations. The review's discussion, initially scheduled for August, was postponed to this week's extraordinary meeting.

The timeline for completing these investigations remains undefined. FIFA's council will consider expert advice before deciding on any actions based on the outcomes.

Campaigners pushing for sanctions against Israel's football authorities have criticized FIFA's decision as "kicking the can down the road." Nick McGeehan, director of the human rights organization FairSquare, called it a "predictably pathetic and spineless response," arguing that there is clear evidence of the Israeli FA violating FIFA statutes.

McGeehan also accused FIFA of being aware of these violations since 2015 and consistently avoiding action.