FIFA is set to consider potential sanctions against the Israel Football Federation (IFF) after a proposal submitted by the Palestine Football Association (PFA). The PFA initially called for action in March, urging a vote at FIFA’s congress in May to suspend Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino clarified that after a legal review, the matter should be handled by the FIFA Council, the organization’s key decision-making body.
On Thursday, the FIFA Council will review the proposal from the PFA, which accuses Israel’s football federation of violating FIFA regulations. The PFA is pushing for sanctions against Israel’s national teams and clubs.
Shino Moshe Zuares, president of the IFF, has strongly opposed the proposal, calling it a “cynical political and hostile attempt” by the Palestinian association to damage Israeli football. Currently, Israel’s home matches in the UEFA Nations League are being held in Hungary due to security concerns, and an away fixture against Belgium was also relocated for similar reasons. Israel is slated to play against France and Italy during the upcoming international break in October.
This meeting takes place amid a broader conflict in the region, with Israel launching a military campaign in Gaza following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry, controlled by Hamas, has reported 41,689 deaths due to Israel’s military operations. The situation has escalated further, with Israel conducting ground invasions in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah and Iran firing more than 180 missiles toward Israel.
SOURCE: BBC
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