The governing body of world football, FIFA, has once again postponed a verdict regarding the suspension of Israel from its events. However, they announced that an investigation would be initiated following an appeal from the Palestinian football association. On Thursday, FIFA made it clear that no resolution has been made about the Palestinian request for Israel’s removal from the federation.
Instead of a decisive ruling, FIFA stated that a disciplinary committee will commence an inquiry into the accusations of discrimination presented by the Palestine Football Association (PFA). This complaint was first submitted in May, and although FIFA initially aimed to provide a response by July, the date was extended to allow for deeper investigation. Another delay was confirmed on Thursday.
FIFA is also placing emphasis on a governance and compliance committee to investigate and provide insights to the FIFA Council regarding “the participation in Israeli competitions of Israeli football teams allegedly based in the territory of Palestine.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino elaborated on the matter, stating, “The FIFA Council has implemented due diligence on this very sensitive matter and, based on a thorough assessment, we have followed the advice of the independent experts.”
Infantino further expressed, “As we remain extremely shocked by what is happening, and our thoughts are with those who are suffering, we urge all parties to restore peace to the region with immediate effect.”
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, FIFA, alongside the European federation UEFA, suspended Russia from its competitions—a move not widely followed by other sports organizations, most of which opted for less severe sanctions. This action led to Russia’s national team being ineligible for the World Cup in Qatar, and it prevented Russian club teams from participating in major European competitions such as the Champions League. In recent times, FIFA has felt mounting pressure to enact similar measures concerning Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
