FIFA, the global authority of soccer, has once more postponed its verdict on a Palestinian request to expel Israel from international soccer due to the conflict in Gaza. On Friday evening, FIFA announced that it will now review the Palestine Football Association's (PFA) claims against the Israel Football Association (IFA) in October. The PFA had initially sought Israel's suspension in May, prompting FIFA to mandate an immediate legal review and to plan a special council meeting in July to discuss the matter. FIFA recently updated that the legal review would be presented to its council by August 31, but has now rescheduled it for October.
"FIFA has obtained the independent legal review of the Palestine Football Association's claims against Israel," FIFA stated. "This review will be forwarded to the FIFA Council for consideration, allowing the issue to be deliberated at its forthcoming meeting in October." FIFA did not provide additional details regarding the review or the specific date in October for the meeting. The PFA has not commented on inquiries. The Palestinian submission alleges that the IFA is complicit in breaches of international law by the Israeli administration, discriminates against Arab players, and includes clubs in its league situated in Palestinian territories. The IFA denies these accusations.
The PFA reports that at least 92 Palestinian players have perished in the conflict; football facilities have been demolished, league activities halted, and the national team forced to compete in World Cup qualifiers overseas. In its submission, the PFA urged FIFA to impose "suitable penalties" on Israeli teams, including both the national team and clubs.
